(NLT)
Job
13
:
1
"Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
2
I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
3
As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
4
As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
5
If only you could be silent! That's the wisest thing you could do.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
6
Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
7
"Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
(NLT)
Job
13
:
8
Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God's case for him?
(NLT)
Job
13
:
9
What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
(NLT)
Job
13
:
10
No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
11
Doesn't his majesty terrify you? Doesn't your fear of him overwhelm you?
(NLT)
Job
13
:
12
Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
13
"Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
14
Yes, I will take my life in my hands and say what I really think.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
15
God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
16
But this is what will save me--I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
17
"Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
18
I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
19
Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
20
"O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
21
Remove your heavy hand from me, and don't terrify me with your awesome presence.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
22
Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
23
Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
24
Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?
(NLT)
Job
13
:
25
Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw?
(NLT)
Job
13
:
26
"You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
27
You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints.
(NLT)
Job
13
:
28
I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.