[1] Then Job replied: [2] “Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? [3] Though they wished to dispute with him, they could not answer him one time out of a thousand. [4] His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? [5] He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. [6] He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. [7] He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. [8] He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. [9] He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. [10] He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. [11] When he passes me, I cannot see him; when he goes by, I cannot perceive him. [12] If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’ [13] God does not restrain his anger; even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet. [14] “How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him? [15] Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy. [16] Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing. [17] He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason. [18] He would not let me catch my breath but would overwhelm me with misery. [19] If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him? [20] Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
