| Chapter 13 |
1 |
'Behold, my eye has seen all this, My ear has heard and understood it. --
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2 |
What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you. --
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3 |
'Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God. --
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4 |
But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. --
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5 |
Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. --
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6 |
Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips. --
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7 |
Will you speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him? --
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8 |
Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God? --
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9 |
Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him? --
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10 |
He will surely reprove you If you secretly show partiality. --
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11 |
Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you? --
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12 |
Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. --
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13 |
'Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will. --
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14 |
Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? --
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15 |
Behold, he will kill me; I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. --
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16 |
This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. --
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17 |
Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears. --
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18 |
See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous. --
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19 |
Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit. --
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20 |
'Only don't do two things to me; Then I will not hide myself from your face: --
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21 |
Withdraw your hand far from me; And don't let your terror make me afraid. --
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22 |
Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and you answer me. --
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23 |
How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin. --
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24 |
Why hide you your face, And hold me for your enemy? --
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25 |
Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble? --
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26 |
For you write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth: --
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27 |
You also put my feet in the stocks, And mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet: --
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28 |
Though I am decaying like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. --
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