1 I know and understandevery bit of this.
2 None of you are smarterthan I am;there's nothing you knowthat I don't.
3 But I prefer to argue my casewith God All-Powerful—
4 you are merely useless doctors,who treat me with lies.
5 The wisest thing you can dois to keep quiet
6 and listento my argument.
7 Are you telling lies for God
8 and not telling the whole truthwhen you argue his case?
9 If he took you to court,could you fool him,just as you fool others?
10 If you were secretly unfair,he would correct you,
11 and his glorious splendorwould make you terrified.
12 Your wisdom and argumentswill blow away like dust.
13 Be quiet while I speak,and we'll see what happens.
14 I will be responsiblefor what happens to me.
15 God may kill me, but stillI will trust himand offer my defense.
16 This may be what saves me,because no guilty personwould come to his court.
17 Listen carefully to my words!
18 I have prepared my case well,and I am certain to win.
19 If you can prove me guilty,I will give up and die.
20 I ask only two thingsof you, my God,and I will no longerhide from you—
21 stop punishingand terrifying me!
22 Then speak, and I will reply;or else let me speak,and you reply.
23 Please point out my sins,so I will know them.
24 Why have you turned your backand count me your enemy?
25 Do you really enjoyfrightening a fallen leaf?
26 Why do you accuse meof horrible crimesand make me pay for sinsI did in my youth?
27 You have tied my feet downand keep me surrounded;
28 I am rotting away like clotheaten by worms.