Job 13:5-15

5 I wish you'd shut your mouths - silence is your only claim to wisdom.
6 "Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change.
7 Or are you going to keep on lying 'to do God a service'? to make up stories 'to get him off the hook'?
8 Why do you always take his side? Do you think he needs a lawyer to defend himself?
9 How would you fare if you were in the dock? Your lies might convince a jury - but would they convince God?
10 He'd reprimand you on the spot if he detected a bias in your witness.
11 Doesn't his splendor put you in awe? Aren't you afraid to speak cheap lies before him?
12 Your wise sayings are knickknack wisdom, good for nothing but gathering dust.
13 "So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.
14 Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?
15 Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end.
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.