Job 13:1-28 NIrV

[1] “My eyes have seen everything God has done. My ears have heard it and understood it. [2] What you know, I also know. I’m as clever as you are. [3] In fact, I long to speak to the Mighty One. I want to argue my case with God. [4] But you spread lies about me and take away my good name. If you are trying to heal me, you aren’t very good doctors! [5] I wish you would keep your mouths shut! Then people would think you were wise. [6] Listen to my case. Listen as I make my appeal. [7] Will you say evil things in order to help God? Will you tell lies for him? [8] Do you want to be on God’s side? Will you argue his case for him? [9] Would it turn out well if he looked you over carefully? Could you fool him as you might fool human beings? [10] He would certainly hold you responsible if you took his side in secret. [11] Wouldn’t his glory terrify you? Wouldn’t the fear of him fall on you? [12] Your sayings are as useless as ashes. The answers you give are as weak as clay. [13] “So be quiet and let me speak. Then I won’t care what happens to me. [14] Why do I put myself in danger? Why do I take my life in my hands? [15] Even if God kills me, I’ll still put my hope in him. I’ll argue my case in front of him. [16] No matter how things turn out, I’m sure I’ll still be saved. After all, no ungodly person would dare to come into his court. [17] Listen carefully to what I’m saying. Pay close attention to my words. [18] I’ve prepared my case. And I know I’ll be proved right. [19] Can others bring charges against me? If they can, I’ll keep quiet and die. [20] “God, I won’t hide from you. Here are the only two things I want. [21] Stop treating me this way. And stop making me so afraid. [22] Then send for me, and I’ll answer. Or let me speak, and you reply. [23] How many things have I done wrong? How many sins have I committed? Show me my crime. Show me my sin. [24] Why do you turn your face away from me? Why do you think of me as your enemy? [25] I’m already like a leaf that is blown by the wind. Are you going to terrify me even more? I’m already like dry straw. Are you going to keep on chasing me? [26] You write down bitter things against me. You make me suffer for the sins I committed when I was young. [27] You put my feet in chains. You watch every step I take. You do it by putting marks on the bottom of my feet. [28] “People waste away like something that is rotten. They are like clothes that are eaten by moths.