13:1 "My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.

13:2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

13:3 But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.

13:4 You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!

13:5 If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.

13:6 Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips.

13:7 Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?

13:8 Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

13:9 Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?

13:10 He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

13:11 Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?

13:12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

13:13 "Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.

13:14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?

13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

13:16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!

13:17 Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say.

13:18 Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.

13:19 Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.

13:20 "Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you:

13:21 Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.

13:22 Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply.

13:23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.

13:24 Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?

13:25 Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff?

13:26 For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.

13:27 You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.

13:28 "So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.