| | 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 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. | |
