| Chapter 13 |
1 | Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all. |
2 | According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you. |
3 | But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. |
4 | Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions. |
5 | And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men.. |
6 | Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips. |
7 | Hath God any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him? |
8 | Do you accept his person, and do you endeavour to judge for God? |
9 | Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed ? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings ? |
10 | He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person. |
11 | As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you. |
12 | Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay. |
13 | Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me. |
14 | Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands? |
15 | Although he should bill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight. |
16 | And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence. |
17 | Hear ye my speech, and receive with Sour ears hidden truths. |
18 | If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just. |
19 | Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace? |
20 | Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid: |
21 | Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me. |
22 | Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me. |
23 | How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offences. |
24 | Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy? |
25 | Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou shewest thy power, and thou pursuest a dry straw. |
26 | For thou writest bitter things against me, and wilt consume me for the sins of my youth. |
27 | Thou hast put my feet in the stocks, and hast observed all my paths, and hast considered the steps of my feet: |
28 | Who am to be consumed as rottenness, and as a garment that is moth-eaten. |