[1] "Notice, my eye has seen all this; my ear has heard and understood it. [2] What you know, I also know the same; I am not inferior to you. [3] Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. [4] But you are plasterers of falsehood; you are all physicians of no value. [5] Oh, that you would altogether hold your peace, and it would be your wisdom! [6] Hear now my reasoning, and listen to the pleadings of my lips. [7] Will you speak wickedly for God? And talk deceitfully for Him? [8] Will you take His side? Will you plead for God? [9] Is it good that He would search you out? Or as one man mocks another, do you so mock Him? [10] He will surely rebuke you, if you secretly show partiality. [11] Will not His excellence make you afraid, and the dread of Him fall upon you? [12] Your reminders are parables made of ashes; your answers are answers made of clay. [13] "Hold your peace; leave me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what may! [14] Why do I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? [15] Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him, but I will defend my own ways before Him. [16] He also will be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before Him. [17] Listen carefully to my speech, and to my declaration with your ears. [18] See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be justified. [19] Who is he who will plead with me? For now, if I hold my tongue, I will give up my breath. [20] "Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from You: [21] Withdraw Your hand far from me, and let not the dread of You make me afraid. [22] Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and You answer me. [23] How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my transgression and my sin. [24] Why do You hide Your face and regard me as Your enemy? [25] Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble? [26] For You write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth. [27] You put my feet in the stocks and watch closely all my paths; You draw a line around the soles of my feet. [28] "Man, as a rotten thing, decays, as a garment that is moth eaten.
