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13 “My eyes have seen all this.
    My ears have heard and understood it.
What you know, I also know.
    You are not better than I am.
But I want to speak to God All-Powerful.
    I want to argue my case with God.
But you smear me with lies.
    You are worthless doctors, all of you!
I wish you would just stop talking.
    Then you would really be wise!
Listen to my argument.
    Hear my lips begging.
You should not speak for God by saying evil things.
    You cannot speak God’s truth by telling lies.
You should not unfairly choose his side against mine.
    You should not argue the case for God.
You will not do well if he examines you.
    You cannot fool God as you might fool men.
10 God would surely scold you
    if you unfairly took one person’s side.
11 His bright glory would scare you.
    You would be very much afraid of him.
12 Your wise sayings are worth no more than ashes.
    Your arguments are as weak as clay.

13 “Be quiet and let me speak.
    Then let things happen to me as they will.
14 I will put myself in danger
    and take my life in my own hands.
15 He will kill me. I have no hope.[a]
    But I still will defend my ways to his face.
16 This might really save me,
    because a wicked man would not be brave enough to come before him.
17 Listen carefully to what I say.
    Let your ears hear what I say.
18 See now, I have prepared my case.
    I know I will be proved right.
19 No one can blame me for doing wrong.
    If someone can, I will be quiet and die.

20 “God, please just give me these two things.
    Then I will not hide from you.
21 Take your punishment away from me.
    And stop frightening me with your terrors.
22 Then call me, and I will answer.
    Or let me speak and you answer.
23 How many evil things and sins have I done?
    Show me my wrong and my sin.
24 Don’t hide your face from me.
    Don’t think of me as your enemy.
25 Don’t punish a leaf that is blown by the wind.
    Don’t chase after dry chaff.
26 You write down cruel things against me.
    You make me suffer for sins I did when I was young.
27 You put my feet in chains.
    You keep close watch on everywhere I go.
    And you mark the soles of my feet.
28 So man wears out like something rotten.
    He is like clothing that has been eaten by moths.

Footnotes

  1. 13:15 He . . . hope. Or “Even if God kills me, I will still put my hope in him.”

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