Job persists in maintaining his innocence – Book of Job, chapter 13

Job persists in maintaining his innocence: and reproves his friends.

[1] Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all. [2] According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you. [3] But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. [4] Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions. [5] And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men.

[6] Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips. [7] Hath God any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him? [8] Do you accept his person, and do you endeavour to judge for God? [9] Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings? [10] He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person.

[11] As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you. [12] Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay. [13] Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me. [14] Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands? [15] Although he should kill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.

[16] And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence. [17] Hear ye my speech, and receive with your ears hidden truths. [18] If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just. [19] Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace? [20] Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid:

[21] Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me. [22] Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me. [23] How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offences. [24] Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy? [25] Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou shewest thy power, and thou pursuest a dry straw.

[26] For thou writest bitter things against me, and wilt consume me for the sins of my youth. [27] Thou hast put my feet in the stocks, and hast observed all my paths, and hast considered the steps of my feet: [28] Who am to be consumed as rottenness, and as a garment that is moth-eaten.