Hear now my argument,
and listen to my defense.[a]
Would you testify unjustly on God’s behalf
or speak deceitfully for him?
Would you show partiality(A) to him
or argue the case in his defense?
Would it go well if he examined you?
Could you deceive him as you would deceive a man?(B)
10 Surely he would rebuke you
if you secretly showed partiality.
11 Would God’s majesty not terrify you?(C)
Would his dread not fall on you?
12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash;(D)
your defenses are made of clay.

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Footnotes

  1. 13:6 Lit to the claims of my lips

Listen to my charge;
    pay attention to my arguments.

“Are you defending God with lies?
    Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
Will you slant your testimony in his favor?
    Will you argue God’s case for him?
What will happen when he finds out what you are doing?
    Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
10 No, you will be in trouble with him
    if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
11 Doesn’t his majesty terrify you?
    Doesn’t your fear of him overwhelm you?
12 Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes.
    Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.

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Hear now my argument;
    listen to the pleas of my lips.(A)
Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?
    Will you speak deceitfully for him?(B)
Will you show him partiality?(C)
    Will you argue the case for God?
Would it turn out well if he examined you?(D)
    Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?(E)
10 He would surely call you to account
    if you secretly showed partiality.(F)
11 Would not his splendor(G) terrify you?
    Would not the dread of him fall on you?(H)
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
    your defenses are defenses of clay.(I)

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