[1] "My eyes have seen all this. My ears have heard and understood it. [2] What you know, I also know. You are not better than I am. [3] But I want to speak to God All-Powerful. I want to argue my case with God. [4] But you smear me with lies. You are worthless doctors, all of you! [5] I wish you would just stop talking. Then you would really be wise! [6] Listen to my argument. Hear my lips begging. [7] You should not speak for God by saying evil things. You cannot speak God's truth by telling lies. [8] You should not unfairly choose his side against mine. You should not argue the case for God. [9] You will not do well if he examines you. You cannot fool God as you might fool men. [10] God would surely scold you if you unfairly took one person's side. [11] His bright glory would scare you. You would be very much afraid of him. [12] Your wise sayings are worth no more than ashes. Your arguments are as weak as clay. [13] "Be quiet and let me speak. Then let things happen to me as they will. [14] I will put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands. [15] He will kill me. I have no hope. But I still will defend my ways to his face. [16] This might really save me, because a wicked man would not be brave enough to come before him. [17] Listen carefully to what I say. Let your ears hear what I say. [18] See now, I have prepared my case. I know I will be proved right. [19] No one can blame me for doing wrong. If someone can, I will be quiet and die. [20] "God, please just give me these two things. Then I will not hide from you. [21] Take your punishment away from me. And stop frightening me with your terrors. [22] Then call me, and I will answer. Or let me speak and you answer. [23] How many evil things and sins have I done? Show me my wrong and my sin. [24] Don't hide your face from me. Don't think of me as your enemy. [25] Don't punish a leaf that is blown by the wind. Don't chase after dry chaff. [26] You write down cruel things against me. You make me suffer for sins I did when I was young. [27] You put my feet in chains. You keep close watch on everywhere I go. And you mark the soles of my feet. [28] So man wears out like something rotten. He is like clothing that has been eaten by moths.
