Job 13

Job Defends His Innocence

1 “Listen, my eyes have seen all this, my ears heard it, and I get it.

2 What you know, I know too, I am not beneath you all.

3 But I would rather plead my case straight to the Almighty, argue my side with God Himself.

4 You all, Nothing but liars, fake healers who do not fix anything.

5 If only you all would just shut up, that would actually make you all look wise.

6 Now hear me out; listen close to my defense.

7 You really going to speak wickedness for God, Talk slick lies on His behalf,

8 You taking sides with Him, Trying to argue for Him like He needs your help,

9 What happens when He examines you, Can you really hustle God like you hustle people,

10 He will definitely call you all out if you all secretly show favoritism.

11 Will not His majesty scare you all, Will not His dread fall on you all,

12 Your so-called wisdom is as weak as ashes, your defense as shaky as clay walls.”

Job’s Boldness Before God

13 “Just be quiet, leave me alone, let me speak my mind, no matter the outcome.

14 Why should I keep biting my tongue, I will take my life in my hands.

15 Though He slay me, I will still trust Him. But I will also defend my ways before Him.

16 This will actually be my salvation, because no hypocrite would dare come before Him.

17 Listen carefully to my words, let what I am saying ring in your ears.

18 See, I have laid out my case. I know I will be proven right.

19 Who wants to argue against me, If you can prove me guilty, then I will shut up and die.”

Job’s Direct Prayer to God

20 “God, grant me just two things, then I will not hide from You.

21 First, take Your heavy hand off me. Second, do not terrify me with fear.

22 Then call, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You reply.

23 How many wrongs and sins I got, Show me my offense, my sin.

24 Why do You turn away, Why treat me like Your enemy,

25 Will You chase after a blown leaf, Hunt down dry straw,

26 You writing bitter charges against me, making me pay for the sins of my youth.

27 You are shackling my feet, watching every step, marking out where I walk.

28 So I waste away like something rotten, like clothes eaten by moths.”