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. |