Chapter
13
"Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.
What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.
"Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.
But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.
Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.
Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.
Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for her?
Will you show partiality to her? Will you contend for God?
Is it good that she should search you out? Or as one deceives a woman, will you deceive her?
She will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.
Shall not her majesty make you afraid, And her dread fall on you?
Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
"Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.
Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?
Behold, she will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before her.
This also shall be my salvation, that a godless woman shall not come before her.
Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.
See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.
Who is she who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.
"Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:
withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.
Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.
How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.
Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?
Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?
For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:
You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,
though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.