English / ERV
Job 13
Easy-to-Read Version, 2006
- 1“I have seen all this before. I have already heard everything you say. I understand all these things.
- 2I know as much as you do. I am as smart as you are.
- 3But I don’t want to argue with you. I want to speak to God All-Powerful. I want to argue with God about my troubles.
- 4But you men try to cover up your ignorance with lies. You are like worthless doctors who cannot heal anyone.
- 5I wish you would just be quiet. That would be the wisest thing you could do.
- 6“Now, listen to my argument. Listen to what I have to say.
- 7Will you speak lies for God? Do you really believe your lies are what God wants you to say?
- 8Are you trying to defend God against me? You are not being fair. You are choosing God’s side simply because he is God.
- 9If God checked you very closely, would he see that you are right? Do you really think you can fool God the same as you fool people?
- 10You know that God would criticize you if you chose someone’s side simply because they were important.
- 11God’s majesty frightens you. You are afraid of him.
- 12The wise sayings you quote are worthless. Your arguments are as weak as clay.
- 13“Be quiet and let me talk! I accept whatever happens to me.
- 14I will put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands.
- 15I will continue to trust God even if he kills me.[1] But I will defend myself to his face.