[1] "Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. [2] What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. [3] But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. [4] As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. [5] Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom! [6] Hear now my argument and listen to the pleadings of my lips. [7] Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him? [8] Will you show partiality toward him? Will you plead the case for God? [9] Will it be well with you when he searches you out? Or can you deceive him, as one deceives a man? [10] He will surely rebuke you if in secret you show partiality. [11] Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you? [12] Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay. [13] "Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may. [14] Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? [15] Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. [16] This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him. [17] Keep listening to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears. [18] Behold, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be in the right. [19] Who is there who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die. [20] Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from your face: [21] withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me. [22] Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me. [23] How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. [24] Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy? [25] Will you frighten a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff? [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 all my paths; you set a limit for the soles of my feet. [28] Man wastes away like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.
