2.5 KiB
Job Wants to Argue His Case with God
Chapter 13
- "Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes
and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
- I know as much as you do.
You are no better than I am.
- As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty.
I want to argue my case with God himself.
- As for you, you smear me with lies.
As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
- If only you could be silent!
That's the wisest thing you could do.
- Listen to my charge;
pay attention to my arguments.
- "Are you defending God with lies?
Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
- Will you slant your testimony in his favor?
Will you argue God's case for him?
- What will happen when he finds out what you are doing?
Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
- No, you will be in trouble with him
if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
- Doesn't his majesty terrify you?
Doesn't your fear of him overwhelm you?
- Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes.
Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.
- "Be silent now and leave me alone.
Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.
- Why should I put myself in mortal danger
and take my life in my own hands?
- God might kill me, but I have no other hope.
I am going to argue my case with him.
- But this is what will save me--I am not godless.
If I were, I could not stand before him.
- "Listen closely to what I am about to say.
Hear me out.
- I have prepared my case;
I will be proved innocent.
- Who can argue with me over this?
And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die.
Job Asks How He Has Sinned
- "O God, grant me these two things,
and then I will be able to face you.
- Remove your heavy hand from me,
and don't terrify me with your awesome presence.
- Now summon me, and I will answer!
Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
- Tell me, what have I done wrong?
Show me my rebellion and my sin.
- Why do you turn away from me?
Why do you treat me as your enemy?
- Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind?
Would you chase dry straw?
- "You write bitter accusations against me
and bring up all the sins of my youth.
- You put my feet in stocks.
You examine all my paths.
You trace all my footprints.
- I waste away like rotting wood,
like a moth-eaten coat.