[1] "Indeed, my eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it. [2] What you know, I know also; I am not inferior to you! [3] But I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. [4] But you, however, are inventors of lies; all of you are worthless physicians! [5] If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom. [6] "Listen now to my argument, and be attentive to my lips' contentions. [7] Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him? [8] Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God? [9] Would it turn out well if he would examine you? Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him? [10] He would certainly rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality. [11] Would not his splendor terrify you and the fear he inspires fall on you? [12] Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay. [13] "Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak; then let come to me what may. [14] Why do I put myself in peril, and take my life in my hands? [15] Even if he slays me, I will hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. [16] Moreover, this will become my deliverance, for no godless person would come before him. [17] Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation. [18] See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right. [19] Who will contend with me? If anyone can, I will be silent and die. [20] Only in two things spare me, O God, and then I will not hide from your face: [21] Remove your hand far from me and stop making me afraid with your terror. [22] Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you respond to me. [23] How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgression and my sin. [24] Why do you hide your face and regard me as your enemy? [25] Do you wish to torment a windblown leaf and chase after dry chaff? [26] For you write down bitter things against me and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth. [27] And you put my feet in the stocks and you watch all my movements; you put marks on the soles of my feet. [28] So I waste away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.
