New American Standard Bible | ►► |
Job Says His Friends’ Proverbs Are Ashes 1“Behold, my eye has seen allthis,My ear has heard and understood it.2“What you know I also know;I am not inferior to you.3“But I would speak to[a]the Almighty,And I desire to argue with God.4“But you smearme with lies;You are all worthless physicians.5“Oh that you would be completely silent,And that it would become your wisdom!6“Please hear my argument,And give your attention to the contentions of my lips.7“Will you speak what is unjust for God,And speak what is deceitful for Him?8“Will you show partiality for Him?Will you contend for God?9“Will it go well when He examines you?Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man?10“He will certainly punish youIf you secretly show partiality.11“Will His[b]majesty not terrify you,And the dread of Him fall upon you?12“Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes,Your defenses are defenses of clay.Job Is Sure He Will Be Vindicated 13“Be silent before me so that I may speak;Then let come upon me whatmay.14“Why should I take my flesh in my teeth,And put my life in my[c]hands?15“Though He slay me,I will[d]hope in Him.Nevertheless I will argue my ways[e]before Him.16“This alsowill be my salvation,For a godless person cannot come before His presence.17“Listen carefully to my speech,And let my declarationfill your ears.18“Behold now, I have prepared my case;I know that I will be vindicated.19“Who could contend with me?For then I would be silent and die.20“Only two thingsI ask that You do not do to me,Then I will not hide from Your face:21Remove Your[f]hand from me,And may the dread of You not terrify me.22“Then call and I will answer;Or let me speak, then reply to me.23“How many are my guilty deeds and sins?Make known to me my wrongdoing and my sin.24“Why do You hide Your faceAnd consider me Your enemy? |