(“) Indeed , my eyes have seen all this ; my ears have heard and understood.
What you know , I also know ; I am not inferior
Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.
You , however , smear with lies ; you are all worthless physicians.
If only ... you would remain silent ... ; for that would be wisdom !
Hear now my argument , and listen to the plea of my lips.
Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him ?
Would you show Him partiality ... or argue in His defense ?
Would it be well when He examined you - - ? Could you deceive (like) a man ?
Surely He would rebuke you - if you secretly showed partiality ....
Would His majesty not terrify you - ? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you ?
Your maxims are proverbs of ashes ; your defenses are defenses of clay.
Be silent , ... and I will speak. Then let come to me what (may).
Why ... do I put myself at risk ... and take my life in my own hands ?
Though He slay me , ... I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.
Moreover , this will be salvation , for no godless man can appear before Him.
Listen carefully to my words ; let my declaration ring in your ears.
Behold , now that I have prepared my case , I know that I will be vindicated.
Can anyone ... indict me ? If so , I will be silent and die.
Only grant these two ... things to me , so that I need not hide from You :
Withdraw Your hand from me , and do not let Your terror frighten me.
Then call me , and I will answer , or let me speak , and You can reply.
How many iniquities and sins ? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
Why do You hide Your face and consider me enemy ?
Would You frighten - a windblown leaf ? Would You chase after dry chaff ?
For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.
You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths ; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.
So man wastes away like something rotten , like a moth-eaten ... garment. (’’)