Job 13:1-27 TLB

[1] "Look, I have seen many instances such as you describe. I understand what you are saying. [2] I know as much as you do. I'm not stupid. [3] Oh, how I long to speak directly to the Almighty. I want to talk this over with God himself. [4] For you are misinterpreting the whole thing. You are doctors who don't know what they are doing. [5] Oh, please be quiet! That would be your highest wisdom. [6] "Listen to me now, to my reasons for what I think and to my pleadings. [7] "Must you go on 'speaking for God' when he never once has said the things that you are putting in his mouth? [8] Does God want your help if you are going to twist the truth for him? [9] Be careful that he doesn't find out what you are doing! Or do you think you can fool God as well as men? [10] No, you will be in serious trouble with him if you use lies to try to help him out. [11] Doesn't his majesty strike terror to your heart? How can you do this thing? [12] These tremendous statements you have made have about as much value as ashes. Your defense of God is as fragile as a clay vase! [13] "Be silent now and leave me alone, that I may speak-and I am willing to face the consequences. [14] Yes, I will take my life in my hand and say what I really think. [15] God may kill me for saying this-in fact, I expect him to. Nevertheless, I am going to argue my case with him. [16] This at least will be in my favor, that I am not godless, to be rejected instantly from his presence. [17] Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out. [18] "This is my case: I know that I am righteous. [19] Who can argue with me over this? If you could prove me wrong, I would stop defending myself and die. [20] "O God, there are two things I beg you not to do to me; only then will I be able to face you. [21] Don't abandon me. And don't terrify me with your awesome presence. [22] Call to me to come-how quickly I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply. [23] Tell me, what have I done wrong? Help me! Point out my sin to me. [24] Why do you turn away from me? Why hand me over to my enemy? [25] Would you blame a leaf that is blown about by the wind? Will you chase dry, useless straws? [26] "You write bitter things against me and bring up all the follies of my youth. [27] You send me to prison and shut me in on every side. I am like a fallen, rotten tree, like a moth-eaten coat.