1. My eye has seen all this; My ear has heard and understood it.
2. What you know, I know also; I am not less than you.
3. Indeed, I would speak to the Almighty; I insist on arguing with God.
4. But you invent lies; All of you are quacks.
5. If you would only keep quiet It would be considered wisdom on your part.
6. Hear now my arguments, Listen to my pleading.
7. Will you speak unjustly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for Him?
8. Will you be partial toward Him? Will you plead God's cause?
9. Will it go well when He examines you? Will you fool Him as one fools men?
10. He will surely reprove you If in your heart you are partial toward Him.
11. His threat will terrify you, And His fear will seize you.
12. Your briefs are empty platitudes; Your responses are unsubstantial.
13. Keep quiet; I will have my say, Come what may upon me.
14. How long! I will take my flesh in my teeth; I will take my life in my hands.
15. He may well slay me; I may have no hope; Yet I will argue my case before Him.
16. In this too is my salvation: That no impious man can come into His presence.
17. Listen closely to my words; Give ear to my discourse.
18. See now, I have prepared a case; I know that I will win it.
19. For who is it that would challenge me? I should then keep silent and expire.
20. But two things do not do to me, So that I need not hide from You:
21. Remove Your hand from me, And let not Your terror frighten me.
22. Then summon me and I will respond, Or I will speak and You reply to me.
23. How many are my iniquities and sins? Advise me of my transgression and sin.
24. Why do You hide Your face, And treat me like an enemy?
25. Will You harass a driven leaf, Will You pursue dried-up straw,
26. That You decree for me bitter things And make me answer for the iniquities of my youth,
27. That You put my feet in the stocks And watch all my ways, Hemming in my footsteps?
28. Man wastes away like a rotten thing, Like a garment eaten by moths.
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