13:1 “Indeed, my eyes have seen all this,
my ears have heard and understood it.
13:2 What you know, I know also;
I am not inferior to you!
13:3 But I wish to speak to the Almighty,
and I desire to argue my case with God.
13:4 But you, however, are inventors of lies;
all of you are worthless physicians!
13:5 If only you would keep completely silent!
For you, that would be wisdom.
13:6 “Listen now to my argument,
and be attentive to my lips’ contentions.
13:7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?
Will you speak deceitfully for him?
13:8 Will you show him partiality?
Will you argue the case for God?
13:9 Would it turn out well if he would examine you?
Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him?
13:10 He would certainly rebuke you
if you secretly showed partiality!
13:11 Would not his splendor terrify you
and the fear he inspires fall on you?
13:12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
your defenses are defenses of clay.
13:13 “Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak;
then let come to me what may.
13:14 Why do I put myself in peril,
and take my life in my hands?
13:15 Even if he slays me, I will hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face!
13:16 Moreover, this will become my deliverance,
for no godless person would come before him.
13:17 Listen carefully to my words;
let your ears be attentive to my explanation.
13:18 See now, I have prepared my case;
I know that I am right.
13:19 Who will contend with me?
If anyone can, I will be silent and die.
13:20 Only in two things spare me, O God,
and then I will not hide from your face:
13:21 Remove your hand far from me
and stop making me afraid with your terror.
13:22 Then call, and I will answer,
or I will speak, and you respond to me.
13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins?
Show me my transgression and my sin.
13:24 Why do you hide your face
and regard me as your enemy?
13:25 Do you wish to torment a windblown leaf
and chase after dry chaff?
13:26 For you write down bitter things against me
and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth.
13:27 And you put my feet in the stocks
and you watch all my movements;
you put marks on the soles of my feet.
13:28 So I waste away like something rotten,
like a garment eaten by moths.