Job 13:1-28 ERV

[1] "I have seen all this before. I have already heard everything you say. I understand all these things. [2] I know as much as you do. I am as smart as you are. [3] But I don't want to argue with you. I want to speak to God All-Powerful. I want to argue with God about my troubles. [4] But you men try to cover up your ignorance with lies. You are like worthless doctors who cannot heal anyone. [5] I wish you would just be quiet. That would be the wisest thing you could do. [6] "Now, listen to my argument. Listen to what I have to say. [7] Will you speak lies for God? Do you really believe your lies are what God wants you to say? [8] Are you trying to defend God against me? You are not being fair. You are choosing God's side simply because he is God. [9] If God checked you very closely, would he see that you are right? Do you really think you can fool God the same as you fool people? [10] You know that God would criticize you if you chose someone's side simply because they were important. [11] God's majesty frightens you. You are afraid of him. [12] The wise sayings you quote are worthless. Your arguments are as weak as clay. [13] "Be quiet and let me talk! I accept whatever happens to me. [14] I will put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands. [15] I will continue to trust God even if he kills me. But I will defend myself to his face. [16] And if he lets me live, it will be because I had the confidence to speak. No guilty person would dare meet God face to face. [17] Listen carefully to what I say. Let me explain. [18] I am ready now to defend myself. I will carefully present my arguments. I know I will be shown to be right. [19] If anyone can prove I am wrong, I will shut up and wait to die. [20] "God, just give me two things, and then I will not hide from you: [21] Stop punishing me, and don't frighten me with your terrors. [22] Then call to me, and I will answer you. Or let me speak, and you answer me. [23] How many sins have I committed? What wrongs have I done? Show me where I went wrong or how I sinned. [24] God, why do you avoid me and treat me like your enemy? [25] Are you trying to scare me? I am only a leaf blowing in the wind. You are attacking a piece of straw! [26] You have a list of terrible charges against me. Are you making me suffer for the sins I did when I was young? [27] You have put chains on my feet. You watch every step I take. You see every move I make. [28] So I am becoming weaker and weaker, like a piece of wood rotting away, like a piece of cloth eaten by moths.