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Job Reproves His Friends

¹ Behold, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.² What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.³ Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.⁴ You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.⁵ If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!⁶ Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.⁷ Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?⁸ Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?⁹ Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man?¹⁰ Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.¹¹ Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?¹² Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

¹³ Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.¹⁴ Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands?¹⁵ Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.¹⁶ Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.¹⁷ Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.¹⁸ Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated.¹⁹ Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.²⁰ Only grant these two things to me, so that I need not hide from You:²¹ Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.²² Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.

²³ How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.²⁴ Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy?²⁵ Will You frighten a windblown leaf? Will You chase after dry chaff?²⁶ For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.²⁷ You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.²⁸ So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.