13:1   Everything you say, I have heard before. I understand it all; I know as much as you do. I'm not your inferior.

13:2   (SEE 13:1)

13:3   But my dispute is with God, not you; I want to argue my case with him.

13:4   You cover up your ignorance with lies; you are like doctors who can't heal anyone.

13:5   Say nothing, and someone may think you are wise!

13:6   Listen while I state my case.

13:7   Why are you lying? Do you think your lies will benefit God?

13:8   Are you trying to defend him? Are you going to argue his case in court?

13:9   If God looks at you closely, will he find anything good? Do you think you can fool God the way you fool others?

13:10   Even though your prejudice is hidden, he will reprimand you,

13:11   and his power will fill you with terror.

13:12   Your proverbs are as useless as ashes; your arguments are as weak as clay.

13:13   Be quiet and give me a chance to speak, and let the results be what they will.

13:14   I am ready to risk my life.

13:15   I've lost all hope, so what if God kills me? I am going to state my case to him.

13:16   It may even be that my boldness will save me, since no wicked person would dare to face God.

13:17   Now listen to my words of explanation.

13:18   I am ready to state my case, because I know I am in the right.

13:19   Are you coming to accuse me, God? If you do, I am ready to be silent and die.

13:20   Let me ask for two things; agree to them, and I will not try to hide from you:

13:21   stop punishing me, and don't crush me with terror.

13:22   Speak first, O God, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and you answer me.

13:23   What are my sins? What wrongs have I done? What crimes am I charged with?

13:24   Why do you avoid me? Why do you treat me like an enemy?

13:25   Are you trying to frighten me? I'm nothing but a leaf; you are attacking a piece of dry straw.

13:26   You bring bitter charges against me, even for what I did when I was young.

13:27   You bind chains on my feet; you watch every step I take, and even examine my footprints.

13:28   As a result, I crumble like rotten wood, like a moth-eaten coat.