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