[1] Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, Mine ear hath heard and understood it. [2] What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. [3] Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God. [4] But ye are forgers of lies; Ye are all physicians of no value. [5] Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom. [6] Hear now my reasoning, And hearken to the pleadings of my lips. [7] Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him? [8] Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God? [9] Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him? [10] He will surely reprove you, If ye do secretly show partiality. [11] Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall upon you? [12] Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. [13] Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will. [14] Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? [15] Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. [16] This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. [17] Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears. [18] Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous. [19] Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost. [20] Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face: [21] Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid. [22] Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me. [23] How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin. [24] Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And holdest me for thine enemy? [25] Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? [26] For thou writest bitter things against me, And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth: [27] Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet: [28] Though I am like a rotten thing that consumeth, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.
