[1] “Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
[2] I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am.
[3] As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.
[4] As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
[5] If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.
[6] Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.
[7] “Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
[8] Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God’s case for him?
[9] What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
[10] No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
[11] Doesn’t his majesty terrify you? Doesn’t your fear of him overwhelm you?
[12] Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.
[13] “Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.
[14] Why should I put myself in mortal danger and take my life in my own hands?
[15] God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
[16] But this is what will save me—I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
[17] “Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.
[18] I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent.
[19] Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die.
[20] “O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.
[21] Remove your heavy hand from me, and don’t terrify me with your awesome presence.
[22] Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
[23] Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.
[24] Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?
[25] Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw?
[26] “You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth.
[27] You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints.
[28] I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.