| Chapter 13 |
1 |
Truly, my eye has seen all this, word of it has come to my ear, and I have knowledge of it. --
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2 |
The same things are in my mind as in yours; I am equal to you. --
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3 |
But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God. --
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4 |
But you put a false face on things; all your attempts to put things right are of no value. --
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5 |
If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom! --
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6 |
Give ear to the argument of my mouth, and take note of the words of my lips. --
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7 |
Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth? --
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8 |
Will you have respect for God's person in this cause, and put yourselves forward as his supporters? --
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9 |
Will it be good for you to be searched out by him, or have you the thought that he may be guided into error like a man? --
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10 |
He will certainly put you right, if you have respect for persons in secret. --
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11 |
Will not his glory put you in fear, so that your hearts will be overcome before him? --
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12 |
Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth. --
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13 |
Keep quiet, and let me say what is in my mind, whatever may come to me. --
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14 |
I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand. --
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15 |
Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him; --
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16 |
And that will be my salvation, for an evil-doer would not come before him, --
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17 |
Give ear with care to my words, and keep what I say in your minds. --
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18 |
See now, I have put my cause in order, and I am certain that I will be seen to be right. --
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19 |
Is any one able to take up the argument against me? If so, I would keep quiet and give up my breath. --
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20 |
Only two things do not do to me, then I will come before your face: --
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21 |
Take your hand far away from me; and let me not be overcome by fear of you. --
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22 |
Then at the sound of your voice I will give answer; or let me put forward my cause for you to give me an answer. --
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23 |
What is the number of my evil-doings and my sins? give me knowledge of them. --
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24 |
Why is your face veiled from me, as if I was numbered among your haters? --
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25 |
Will you be hard on a leaf in flight before the wind? will you make a dry stem go more quickly on its way? --
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26 |
For you put bitter things on record against me, and send punishment on me for the sins of my early years; --
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27 |
And you put chains on my feet, watching all my ways, and making a limit for my steps; --
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28 |
Though a man comes to nothing like a bit of dead wood, or like a robe which has become food for the worm. --
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