Job 13:1-28 VOICE

[1] Job: Look. I've seen it all with my eyes, heard and understood it with my ears. [2] What you know, I know, too; don't think I am so far beneath you! [3] Let our differences be clear; I am ready to speak to the Highest One, eagerly wanting to argue my case with God. [4] But you! You smear me with lies as if to help, but as healers you are worthless. [5] Would that you were totally silent. At least that would make you seem wise. [6] Please, just listen while I reason this out; lean in to hear how my lips will plead. [7] Will you try to defend God's cause by telling lies? Be deceitful on His behalf? [8] Will you show partiality for Him? Argue on His behalf? [9] How would you fare if He searched your soul? Do you think you might deceive Him as you would any other person? [10] No. He would bring charges against you even if you secretly show partiality. [11] Aren't you horrified at the weight of His majesty? Isn't the dread of Him enough to drop you where you stand? [12] All your quoted proverbs turn to ash; your clever comebacks crumble like brittle towers of clay. [13] So keep your mouths shut around me, and let me speak to God. And whatever may come, let it come. [14] Why should I lay my body at the mercy of the words of my own mouth or risk my life with only my own hands to defend me? [15] Look, He may well kill me, but I will hope in Him. Still I will be ready to argue my case before His very face. [16] In fact, this will become my salvation, for the godless wouldn't even dare to approach Him. [17] So then here is my account. Listen carefully! Give me a chance to share my side of the story with you. [18] My case is prepared, and I am confident I will be found righteous. [19] And yet who will meet me in court to argue the other side? If I am out-argued, then I will stay mute until I die. [20] Lord, I ask only two concessions in this case; if You grant them, I will not hide from Your face. [21] First, remove Your damaging hand from me; second don't intimidate me anymore with your terrifying presence. [22] Then send me Your summons, and I will reply, or better yet, I will speak first and then You answer me. [23] How many counts do You have against me? How many sins must I account for? Spell out the nature of Your indictment against my rebellious ways. [24] Why do You hide Your face from me; why is my name now "nemesis" to You? [25] Would You waste Your energy to terrify a windblown leaf, or chase down the dry chaff as it tumbles in the breeze? [26] For I see bitter accusations against me written in Your own hand; You call me to account for the guilt of my youth. [27] You fasten shackles at my ankles but still keep close watch on where I walk, marking the places where my feet may plant themselves. [28] This is how a person wastes away to nothing, like something rotten, like moth-eaten clothing.