1Look, my eye has seen all this; my ear has heard it and understood it.
2As much as you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
3But as for me, I would speak to the Almighty; I desire to argue my case with God.
4But you—you are smearers of lies, worthless physicians, all of you.
5Who would grant that you would keep utterly silent? That would be wisdom for you.
6Hear now my argument, and listen to the pleadings of my lips.
7Will you speak wickedness on God’s behalf, and speak deceit for him?
8Will you show him partiality? Will you contend the case for God?
9Would it be well when he searches you out? Or will you deceive him as one deceives a mortal?
10He will surely rebuke you if in secret you show partiality.
11Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you?
12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
13Be silent before me, and let me speak; then let come upon me what may.
14Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand?
15Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.
16This also will be my salvation, that a godless man would not come before him.
17Listen carefully to my word, and let my declaration be in your ears.
18See now, I have set my case in order; I know that I will be vindicated.
19Who is he that will contend with me? For then I would be silent and expire.
20Only two things do not do to me, then I will not hide myself from your face:
21Withdraw your hand far from me, and let not your terror frighten me.
22Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.
23How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my transgression and my sin.
24Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?
25Will you terrify a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff?
26For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27You put my feet in the stocks and watch all my paths; you engrave a limit on the soles of my feet.
28And man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment that the moth has eaten.
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