Job, 13
Job persists in maintaining his innocence: and reproves his friends.
[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 this 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 kill 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 your 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 offenses. •
[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 motheaten. •