Dusk over a long low gray mound of ash outside a small flat-topped town wall: the wind takes a thin gray plume of ash off its top, broken pottery in the foreground, under a calm, darkening, empty sky.

The Book of

Job 13

Job is still answering Zophar, in round one. He tells his friends to be silent, turns to God, and steps forward to argue his case.

28 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

1–3The testBlameless, stripped of everything, and his cry
4–14Round oneThe friends speak; Job answersChapter 13
15–21Round twoMy Redeemer lives
22–31Round threeThen wisdom, and Job's last defense
32–37ElihuA younger voice
38–41The LORD speaksOut of the whirlwind
42The endJob prays and is restored

Job Prepares His Case

Job

Job

“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this;

my ears have heard and understood.

What you know, I also know;

I am not inferior to you.

Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty

and argue my case before God.

You, however, smear with lies;

you are all worthless physicians.

If only you would remain silent;

for that would be your wisdom!

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Job

Hear now my argument,

and listen to the plea of my lips.

Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf

or speak deceitfully for Him?

Would you show Him partiality

or argue in His defense?

Would it be well when He examined you?

Could you deceive Him as you would deceive a man?

Surely He would rebuke you

if you secretly showed partiality.

Would His majesty not terrify you?

Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?

Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;

your defenses are defenses of clay.

Job

Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf

Reflect

On God’s behalf

Job warns his friends not to “speak wickedly on God’s behalf.” Have you ever said something untrue, or unkind, to defend God? What should truth and love have said instead?

Job

From far behind, a gaunt man wrapped in a dark cloak rises to his feet on a gray ash mound, leaning on a plain stick, small in the lower third and facing an open empty sky at first light.

Be silent, and I will speak.

Then let come to me what may.

Why do I put myself at risk

and take my life in my own hands?

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.

I will still defend my ways to His face.

Moreover, this will be my salvation,

for no godless man can appear before Him.

Listen carefully to my words;

let my declaration ring in your ears.

See now, I have prepared my case;

I know that I will be vindicated.

Can anyone indict me?

If so, I will be silent and die.

0:33

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Job

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.

Job

Question

Quick question

Job tells his friends what their wise sayings are really worth.

What does Job call his friends’ maxims?

Job

Job

So man wastes away like something rotten,

like a moth-eaten garment.

You’ve experienced

Job 13

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A verse to carry with you

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.

Job 13:15

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