Job 13:17-28

17Listen carefully to my words. Hear what I have to say.

18I know what I want to say. I am ready to explain why I am not guilty.

19Nobody can show that I have done wrong things. If anyone can do that, I will be quiet. I will be ready to die.

20God, please do two things that will help me. If you do those things, I will no longer hide from you.

21Please stop punishing me. And stop causing me to be so afraid of you.

22Tell me to come and stand in front of you. Then I will answer you. Or allow me to speak first. Then you will reply to me.

23Tell me how many wrong things I have done. Show me what my sins are.

24Why do you hide yourself from me? Why do you think that I am your enemy?

25I am as weak as a leaf that the wind can blow away. But you still want to frighten me. I am as useless as chaff, but you still attack me.

26You write down things to accuse me. You punish me for the sins I did when I was young.

27You tie my feet with chains. You watch me carefully wherever I go. You put marks on my feet.

28So my life is slowly disappearing. It is like a coat that moths are eating.