1“Look, my eyes have seen all this. My ears have heard and understood it.
2I know just as much as you do; I am not inferior to you.
3I want to speak to the Almighty; I desire to present my case to God.
4But you are liars. You are all worthless doctors.
5If only you would be completely silent! That would be a sign of your wisdom.
6Now listen to my arguments. Pay attention to what I have to say.
7Will you speak unfairly for God and tell lies for him?
8Will you show him favoritism? Will you argue on God's behalf?
9Will it be good when he investigates you? Will you try to deceive him as you might deceive a person?
10He will certainly correct you if you secretly show favoritism.
11Won't his majesty make you afraid, and won't his terror fall on you?
12Your memorable sayings are like worthless proverbs, your defenses are like walls of clay.
13“Be quiet, leave me alone, so I can speak. Let whatever happens to me happen.
14Why should I risk my life and take my chances?
15Even if he kills me, I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will defend my conduct before him.
16This will also bring me salvation: that a godless person will not come before Him.
17Listen carefully to my words. Let my statement be heard by you.
18Look, I have made my case. I know that I am innocent.
19Who will argue with me? If there were, I would be silent and die.
20“Just don’t do two things to me; then I won’t hide from you:
21Remove your hand far from me, and don’t let your terror frighten me.
22Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.
23How many are my wrongs and sins? Show me my disobedience and my sin.
24Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?
25Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry stubble?
26For you write bitter things against me, and make me suffer for the wrongs of my youth.
27You also put my feet in stocks, and watch all my paths. You set limits for the soles of my feet,
28even though I am decaying like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.