^1. "My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.

^2. What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

^3. But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.

^4. You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!

^5. If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.

^6. Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips.

^7. Will you speak wickedly 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 might deceive men?

^10. He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

^11. Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?

^12. Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

^13. "Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.

^14. Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?

^15. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely [1] defend my ways to his face.

^16. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!

^17. Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say.

^18. Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.

^19. Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.

^20. "Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you:

^21. Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.

^22. Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply.

^23. How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.

^24. Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?

^25. Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff?

^26. For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.

^27. You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.

^28. "So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.