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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“Now listen to my dispute!
    Pay attention to my arguments.[a]
Why do you speak falsely on God’s behalf
    and speak deceitfully[b] about him?
Will you show partiality to him?[c]
    Will you plead God’s case?
Will things go well for you under his cross-examination?
    Can you lie to him, as you would to a human being?[d]

10 “He will be sure to rebuke you,
    if you show partiality[e] in secret.
11 His splendor will petrify you with terror,
    paralyzing you with fear, won’t it?
12 Your maxims are just worthless proverbs;
    your defensive arguments are made of clay.”

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Footnotes

  1. Job 13:6 Lit. arguments of my lips
  2. Job 13:7 Or treachery
  3. Job 13:8 Lit. lift up his face
  4. Job 13:9 Lit. mankind
  5. Job 13:10 Lit. you lift up the face