[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 with God.
[4] But you smear with lies; You are all worthless physicians.
[5] O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom!
[6] Please hear my argument And listen to the contentions of my lips.
[7] Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him?
[8] Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?
[9] Will it be well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man?
[10] He will surely reprove you If you secretly show partiality.
[11] Will not His majesty terrify you, And the dread of Him fall on you?
[12] Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
[13] Be silent before me so that I may speak; Then let come on me what may.
[14] Why should I take my flesh in my teeth And put my life in my hands?
[15] Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.
[16] This also will be my salvation, For a godless man may not come before His presence.
[17] Listen carefully to my speech, And let my declaration fill your ears.
[18] Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.
[19] Who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.
[20] Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide from Your face:
[21] Remove Your hand from me, And let not the dread of You terrify me.
[22] Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then reply to me.
[23] How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my rebellion and my sin.
[24] Why do You hide Your face And consider me Your enemy?
[25] Will You cause a driven leaf to tremble? Or will You pursue the dry chaff?
[26] For You write bitter things against me And make me to 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] While I am decaying like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.”