1 Look, my eyes have seen all this;
my ears s have heard and understood it.
2 Everything you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you. t
3 Yet I prefer to speak to the Almighty
and argue my case before God. u
you are all worthless healers. v
and let that be your wisdom!
and listen to my defense. N
7 Would you testify unjustly on God’s behalf
or speak deceitfully for him?
8 Would you show partiality w to him
or argue the case in his defense?
9 Would it go well if he examined you?
Could you deceive him as you would deceive a man? x
if you secretly showed partiality.
11 Would God’s majesty not terrify you? y
Would his dread not fall on you?
12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash; z
your defenses are made of clay.
13 Be quiet, O and I will speak.
Let whatever comes happen to me.
14 I will put P myself at risk Q
and take my life in my own hands.
15 Even if he kills me, I will hope in him. R
I will still defend a my ways before him.
16 Yes, this will result in my deliverance,
for no godless person b can appear before him.
17 Pay close attention to my words;
let my declaration ring in your ears.
18 Now then, I have prepared my case; c
I know that I am right.
If so, I will be silent and die.
20 Only grant these two things to me, God,
so that I will not have to hide from your presence:
and do not let your terror frighten me. d
22 Then call, and I will answer, e
or I will speak, and you can respond to me.
23 How many iniquities f and sins have I committed? S
Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
and consider me your enemy? g
25 Will you frighten a wind-driven leaf?
Will you chase after dry straw?
26 For you record bitter accusations against me
and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks
and stand watch over all my paths,
setting a limit for the soles T of my feet.
28 A person wears out like something rotten,
like a moth-eaten garment. h