Indeed, my eye has seen all this; My ear has heard and understood it.

What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to argue with God.

Yet you are plasterers of lies; Physicians of no value are you all.

Oh that you would be altogether silent, And this would be your wisdom!

Hear now my argument, And hearken to the contentions of my lips.

Will you speak wrongly for God And speak deceitfully for Him?

Will you be partial to Him? Will you contend for God?

Will it be well with you when He searches you out? Or will you deceive Him as one might deceive a man?

He will surely reprove you If you are secretly partial.

Will not His majesty make you afraid And His dread fall on you?

Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes; Your defenses are defenses of clay.

Be silent before me, and I myself will speak; And let come on me what may.

I will take my flesh in my teeth And put my life in my hand.

Indeed, He will kill me; I have no hope. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.

This also will be my salvation, That no profane man may come before Him.

Hear carefully my words, And let my declaration be in your ears.

Here now, I have arranged my case; I know that I will be vindicated.

Who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.

Only do not do two things to me, Then I will not hide from Your face:

Withdraw Your hand far from me, And do not let Your terror frighten me.

Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and You respond to me.

How many are my iniquities and sins? Make my transgression and my sin known to me.

Why do You hide Your face And consider me as Your enemy?

Will You harass a driven leaf And pursue dry chaff?

For You write bitter things against me And cause me to inherit the iniquities of my youth;

And You put my feet in stocks And mark all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.

And such a one is like some rotten thing that wastes away, Like a garment eaten by moths.