[1] "My eye has certainly seen all of this! My ear has heard and understood it. [2] After all, I know it as well as you do. I am not inferior to you. [3] However, I want to speak to the Almighty, and I wish to argue my case in front of God. [4] But you are smearing me with lies. All of you are worthless physicians. [5] I wish you would keep silent. For you, that would be wisdom. [6] Please listen to my argument, and pay attention to my plea. [7] "Will you talk wickedly for God and talk deceitfully on his behalf? [8] Will you favor him as if you were arguing in court on God's behalf? [9] Will it go well when he cross-examines you? Will you try to trick him as one mortal tricks another? [10] Will he really defend you if you secretly favor him? [11] Doesn't his majesty terrify you? Doesn't the fear of him fall upon you? [12] "Your recollections are worthless proverbs. Your answers are absolutely useless. [13] Be quiet, because I want to speak. Let whatever may happen to me happen! [14] I am biting off more than I can chew and taking my life in my own hands. [15] If God would kill me, I would have no hope left. Nevertheless, I will defend my behavior to his face. [16] This also will be my salvation because no godless person could face him. [17] "Listen carefully to my words. Hear my declaration. [18] I have prepared my case. I know that I will be declared righteous. [19] Who can make a case against me? If someone could, I'd be silent and die. [20] "Please don't do two things to me so that I won't have to hide from you: [21] Stop oppressing me. Don't let your terror frighten me. [22] Then call, and I'll answer. Otherwise, I'll speak, and you'll answer me. [23] How many crimes and sins have I committed? Make me aware of my disobedience and my sin. [24] Why do you hide your face from me and consider me your enemy? [25] Are you trying to make a fluttering leaf tremble or trying to chase dry husks? [26] You write down bitter accusations against me. You make me suffer for the sins of my youth. [27] You put my feet in shackles. You follow my trail by engraving marks on the soles of my feet. [28] I am like worn-out wineskins, like moth-eaten clothes.
