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Job Prepares His Case

Verse1“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.

Verse2What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

Verse3Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.

Verse4You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.

Verse5If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!

Verse6Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.

Verse7Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?

Verse8Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?

Verse9Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him as you would deceive a man?

Verse10Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

Verse11Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?

Verse12Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

Verse13Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.

Verse14Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands?

Verse15Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.

Verse16Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.

Verse17Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.

Verse18See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.

Verse19Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.

Verse20Only grant these two things to me, so that I need not hide from You:

Verse21Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.

Verse22Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.

Verse23How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.

Verse24Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy?

Verse25Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff?

Verse26For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.

Verse27You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.

Verse28So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.