Job
Summary
Job Chapter 13 continues Job’s reply to his friends, as he tells them that he is not inferior to them and that their "proverbs of ashes" are of no help. He expresses a remarkable resolve, saying, "Though he slay me, I will still wait for him." Job is determined to argue his case directly before God, even if it costs him his life. He calls for his friends to be silent and asks God to withdraw His heavy hand so that they can speak face to face. Job’s plea is for transparency and an end to the "terrors" that prevent him from understanding why he has been made God's enemy.
"My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it."
"What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you."
"But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God."
"You, however, smear me with lies; you are all worthless physicians!"
"If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom."
"Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips."
"Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?"
"Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?"
"Would it go well with you if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?"
"He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality."
"Would not his majesty terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall upon you?"
"Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defences are defences of clay."
"Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may."
"Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?"
"Though he slay me, I will still wait for him; yet I will argue my case before his face."
"Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him."
"Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears."
"Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated."
"Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die."
"Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you:"
"Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors."
"Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply."
"How many flaws and sins have I committed? Show me my offence and my sin."
"Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?"
"Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff?"
"For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth."
"You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet."
"So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths."