[1] "Now 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 the Almighty and 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, and hear the pleading of my lips. [7] You should not speak evil in the name of God; 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 humans. [10] God would surely scold you if you unfairly took one person's side. [11] His bright glory would scare you, and you would be very much afraid of him. [12] Your wise sayings are worth no more than ashes, and your arguments are as weak as clay. [13] "Be quiet and let me speak. Let things happen to me as they will. [14] Why should I put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands? [15] Even if God kills me, I have hope in him; I will still defend my ways to his face. [16] This is my salvation. The wicked cannot come before him. [17] Listen carefully to my words; let your ears hear what I say. [18] See, I have prepared my case, and I know I will be proved right. [19] No one can accuse me of doing wrong. If someone can, I will be quiet and die. [20] "God, please just give me these two things, and 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 straw. [26] You write down cruel things against me and make me suffer for my boyhood sins. [27] You put my feet in chains and keep close watch wherever I go. You even mark the soles of my feet. [28] "Everyone wears out like something rotten, like clothing eaten by moths.
