1 »My eyes have seen all this and my ears have heard and understood it.

2 »I know what you know. I am not inferior to you!

3 »But I want to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.

4 »You are smearing me with lies. As doctors you are worthless, all of you!

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

6 »Hear 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 rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

11 »Would not his excellence terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?

12 »Your platitudes 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 put me to death, yet I will hope in him. I will defend my ways before him.

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 Pay attention to 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 transgressions and my sin.

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

25 »Will you torment a leaf driven two and fro? Will you chase after dry chaff?

26 »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.