Summary
- Not all friend’s advice is sound. Job rebuked his friend’s counsel;
- Job did not understand why God afflicted him even though he lived a righteous life. He argued his case boldly to God.
Job 13:1,3-28
1 Everything you say, I have heard before. I understand it all; I know as much as you do. I’m not your inferior.
[3]But my dispute is with God, not you; I want to argue my case with him.
[4]You cover up your ignorance with lies; you are like doctors who can’t heal anyone.
[5]Say nothing, and someone may think you are wise!
[6]Listen while I state my case.
[7]Why are you lying? Do you think your lies will benefit God?
[8]Are you trying to defend him? Are you going to argue his case in court?
[9]If God looks at you closely, will he find anything good? Do you think you can fool God as you fool others?
[10]Even though your prejudice is hidden, he will reprimand you,
[11]and his power will fill you with terror.
[12]Your proverbs are as useless as ashes; your arguments crumble like clay.
[13]Be quiet and give me a chance to speak, and let the results be what they will.
[14]I am ready to risk my life.
[15]I’ve lost all hope, so what if God kills me? I am going to state my case to him.
[16]It may even be that my boldness will save me, since no wicked person would dare to face God.
[17]Now listen to my words of explanation.
[18]I am ready to state my case, because I know I am in the right.
[19]Are you coming to accuse me, God? If you do, I am ready to be silent and die.
[20]Let me ask for two things; agree to them, and I will not try to hide from you;
[21]stop punishing me, and don’t crush me with terror.
[22]Speak first, O God, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and you answer me.
[23]What are my sins? What wrongs have I done? What crimes am I charged with?
[24]Why do you avoid me? Why do you treat me like an enemy?
[25]Are you trying to frighten me? I’m nothing but a leaf; you are attacking a piece of dry straw.
[26]You bring bitter charges against me, even for what I did when I was young.
[27]You bind chains on my feet; you watch every step I take, and even examine my footprints.
[28]As a result, I crumble like rotten wood, like a moth-eaten coat.