12 The wise sayings you quote are worthless. Your arguments are as weak as clay.
13 “Be quiet and let me talk! I accept whatever happens to me.
14 I will put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands.
15 I will continue to trust God even if he kills me. But I will defend myself to his face.
16 And if he lets me live, it will be because I had the confidence to speak. No guilty person would dare meet God face to face.
17 Listen carefully to what I say. Let me explain.
18 I am ready now to defend myself. I will carefully present my arguments. I know I will be shown to be right.