[1] "Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand. [2] I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am. [3] As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself. [4] As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks. [5] If only you could be silent! That's the wisest thing you could do. [6] Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments. [7] "Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake? [8] Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God's case for him? [9] What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people? [10] No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor. [11] Doesn't his majesty terrify you? Doesn't your fear of him overwhelm you? [12] Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot. [13] "Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences. [14] Why should I put myself in mortal danger and take my life in my own hands? [15] God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him. [16] But this is what will save me-I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him. [17] "Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out. [18] I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent. [19] Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die. [20] "O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you. [21] Remove your heavy hand from me, and don't terrify me with your awesome presence. [22] Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply. [23] Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin. [24] Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy? [25] Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw? [26] "You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth. [27] You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints. [28] I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.
