Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this, My ear has heard and understood it.
1
"Yes, I've seen all this with my own eyes, heard and understood it with my very own ears.
2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.
2
Everything you know, I know, so I'm not taking a back seat to any of you.
3 "Surely I would speak to Shaddai. I desire to reason with God.
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I'm taking my case straight to God Almighty; I've had it with you - I'm going directly to God.
4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.
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You graffiti my life with lies. You're a bunch of pompous quacks!
5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.
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I wish you'd shut your mouths - silence is your only claim to wisdom.
6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.
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"Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change.
7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him?
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Or are you going to keep on lying 'to do God a service'? to make up stories 'to get him off the hook'?
8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?
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Why do you always take his side? Do you think he needs a lawyer to defend himself?
9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?
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How would you fare if you were in the dock? Your lies might convince a jury - but would they convince God?
10 He will surely reprove you If you secretly show partiality.
10
He'd reprimand you on the spot if he detected a bias in your witness.
11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?
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Doesn't his splendor put you in awe? Aren't you afraid to speak cheap lies before him?
12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
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Your wise sayings are knickknack wisdom, good for nothing but gathering dust.
13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.
13
"So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.
14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand?
14
Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?
15 Behold, he will kill me; I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.
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Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end.
16 This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him.
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Just wait, this is going to work out for the best - my salvation! If I were guilt-stricken do you think I'd be doing this - laying myself on the line before God?
17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.
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You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears.
18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.
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Now that I've laid out my defense, I'm sure that I'll be acquitted.
19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my shalom and give up the spirit.
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Can anyone prove charges against me? I've said my piece. I rest my case. Why Does God Stay Hidden and Silent?
20 "Only don't do two things to me; Then I will not hide myself from your face:
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"Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you:
21 Withdraw your hand far from me; And don't let your terror make me afraid.
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First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me.
22 Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and you answer me.
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Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.
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How many sins have been charged against me? Show me the list - how bad is it?
24 Why hide you your face, And hold me for your enemy?
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Why do you stay hidden and silent? Why treat me like I'm your enemy?
25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?
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Why kick me around like an old tin can? Why beat a dead horse?
26 For you write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:
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You compile a long list of mean things about me, even hold me accountable for the sins of my youth.
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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You hobble me so I can't move about. You watch every move I make, and brand me as a dangerous character.
28 Though I am decaying like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.
28
"Like something rotten, human life fast decomposes, like a moth-eaten shirt or a mildewed blouse.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.