1 “Indeed, my eye has seen it all, my ears have heard and understood it.
2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
3 Still, I desire to speak to Shaddai and to argue my case with God.
4 You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless doctors—all of you!
5 If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
6 Hear now my argument; listen to the contentions of my lips.
7 Will you speak unjustly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for Him?
8 Will you show Him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?
9 Would it turn out well if He examined you? Could you deceive Him as you deceive a man?
10 He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed favoritism.
11 Would not His majesty terrify you and the dread of Him fall on you?
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 Be silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.
14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and take my life in my hands?
15 Even if He slays me, I will wait for Him; I will surely defend my ways before Him.
16 This, too, will be my salvation for no godless can come before Him.
17 “Listen carefully to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears.
18 See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.
19 Who will contend with me? If so, I will be silent and die.
20 “Only two things do not do to me; then I will not hide from Your face:
21 withdraw Your hand far from me, and do not assail me with Your terror.
22 Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and You respond to me.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgressions and sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy?
25 Will You frighten a windblown leaf and chase after 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 shackles and watch all my paths; You put marks on the soles of my feet.
28 “So he wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.