13:1  "My eyes have seen all this,
my ears have heard and understood it.

13:2  What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.

13:3  But I desire to speak to the Almighty
and to argue my case with God.

13:4  You, however, smear me with lies;
you are worthless physicians, all of you!

13:5  If only you would be altogether silent!
For you, that would be wisdom.

13:6  Hear now my argument;
listen to the plea of my lips.

13:7  Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf?
Will you speak deceitfully for him?

13:8  Will you show him partiality?
Will you argue the case for God?

13:9  Would it turn out well if he examined you?
Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?

13:10  He would surely rebuke you
if you secretly showed partiality.

13:11  Would not his splendor terrify you?
Would not the dread of him fall on you?

13:12  Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
your defenses are defenses of clay.

13:13  "Keep silent and let me speak;
then let come to me what may.

13:14  Why do I put myself in jeopardy
and take my life in my hands?

13:15  Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.

13:16  Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,
for no godless man would dare come before him!

13:17  Listen carefully to my words;
let your ears take in what I say.

13:18  Now that I have prepared my case,
I know I will be vindicated.

13:19  Can anyone bring charges against me?
If so, I will be silent and die.

13:20  "Only grant me these two things, O God,
and then I will not hide from you:

13:21  Withdraw your hand far from me,
and stop frightening me with your terrors.

13:22  Then summon me and I will answer,
or let me speak, and you reply.

13:23  How many wrongs and sins have I committed?
Show me my offense and my sin.

13:24  Why do you hide your face
and consider me your enemy?

13:25  Will you torment a windblown leaf?
Will you chase after dry chaff?

13:26  For you write down bitter things against me
and make me inherit the sins of my youth.

13:27  You fasten my feet in shackles;
you keep close watch on all my paths
by putting marks on the soles of my feet.

13:28  "So man wastes away like something rotten,
like a garment eaten by moths.