The Message Bible MSG
New Living Translation NLT
1 "Yes, I've seen all this with my own eyes, heard and understood it with my very own ears.
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“Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
2 Everything you know, I know, so I'm not taking a back seat to any of you.
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I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am.
3 I'm taking my case straight to God Almighty; I've had it with you - I'm going directly to God.
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As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.
4 You graffiti my life with lies. You're a bunch of pompous quacks!
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As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
5 I wish you'd shut your mouths - silence is your only claim to wisdom.
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If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.
6 "Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change.
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Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.
7 Or are you going to keep on lying 'to do God a service'? to make up stories 'to get him off the hook'?
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“Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
8 Why do you always take his side? Do you think he needs a lawyer to defend himself?
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Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God’s case for him?
9 How would you fare if you were in the dock? Your lies might convince a jury - but would they convince God?
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What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
10 He'd reprimand you on the spot if he detected a bias in your witness.
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No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
11 Doesn't his splendor put you in awe? Aren't you afraid to speak cheap lies before him?
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Doesn’t his majesty terrify you? Doesn’t your fear of him overwhelm you?
12 Your wise sayings are knickknack wisdom, good for nothing but gathering dust.
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Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.
13 "So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.
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“Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.
14 Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?
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Why should I put myself in mortal danger and take my life in my own hands?
15 Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end.
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God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
16 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?
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But this is what will save me—I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
17 You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears.
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“Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.
18 Now that I've laid out my defense, I'm sure that I'll be acquitted.
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I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent.
19 Can anyone prove charges against me? I've said my piece. I rest my case. Why Does God Stay Hidden and Silent?
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Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die.
20 "Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you:
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“O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.
21 First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me.
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Remove your heavy hand from me, and don’t terrify me with your awesome presence.
22 Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me.
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Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
23 How many sins have been charged against me? Show me the list - how bad is it?
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Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.
24 Why do you stay hidden and silent? Why treat me like I'm your enemy?
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Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?
25 Why kick me around like an old tin can? Why beat a dead horse?
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Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw?
26 You compile a long list of mean things about me, even hold me accountable for the sins of my youth.
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“You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth.
27 You hobble me so I can't move about. You watch every move I make, and brand me as a dangerous character.
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You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints.
28 "Like something rotten, human life fast decomposes, like a moth-eaten shirt or a mildewed blouse.
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I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.