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 surely1 13:15 Or He will surely slay me; I have no hope - / yet I will 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. |
