| Chapter 13 |
1 | Truly, my eye has seen all this, word of it has come to my ear, and I have knowledge of it.
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2 | The same things are in my mind as in yours; I am equal to you.
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3 | But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.
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4 | But you put a false face on things; all your attempts to put things right are of no value.
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5 | If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!
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6 | Give ear to the argument of my mouth, and take note of the words of my lips.
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7 | Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth?
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8 | Will you have respect for God's person in this cause, and put yourselves forward as his supporters?
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9 | Will it be good for you to be searched out by him, or have you the thought that he may be guided into error like a man?
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10 | He will certainly put you right, if you have respect for persons in secret.
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11 | Will not his glory put you in fear, so that your hearts will be overcome before him?
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12 | Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth.
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13 | Keep quiet, and let me say what is in my mind, whatever may come to me.
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14 | I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
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15 | Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him;
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16 | And that will be my salvation, for an evil-doer would not come before him,
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17 | Give ear with care to my words, and keep what I say in your minds.
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18 | See now, I have put my cause in order, and I am certain that I will be seen to be right.
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19 | Is any one able to take up the argument against me? If so, I would keep quiet and give up my breath.
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20 | Only two things do not do to me, then I will come before your face:
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21 | Take your hand far away from me; and let me not be overcome by fear of you.
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22 | Then at the sound of your voice I will give answer; or let me put forward my cause for you to give me an answer.
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23 | What is the number of my evil-doings and my sins? give me knowledge of them.
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24 | Why is your face veiled from me, as if I was numbered among your haters?
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25 | Will you be hard on a leaf in flight before the wind? will you make a dry stem go more quickly on its way?
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26 | For you put bitter things on record against me, and send punishment on me for the sins of my early years;
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27 | And you put chains on my feet, watching all my ways, and making a limit for my steps;
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28 | Though a man comes to nothing like a bit of dead wood, or like a robe which has become food for the worm.
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