| 1 My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood. | |
| 2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. | |
| 3 But I would like to speak to the Almighty, I want to plead my case with God. | |
| 4 You are glossing over the problem and offering false remedies. | |
| 5 If only you would keep silent, that would at least be wisdom. | |
| 6 Hear now my argument; listen to my defense. | |
| 7 Will you speak falsely for God? Will you defend him with false inventions? | |
| 8 Will you side with him and advocate on his behalf? | |
| 9 What if he examines you? Could he be deceived as people are? | |
| 10 He will rebuke you for sure if in secret you show partiality. | |
| 11 You will be terrified by his majesty, and you will be in dread of him. | |
| 12 Heaps of ashes are your maxims; mounds of clay are your defenses. | |
| 13 So keep silent and let me speak; this will be at my own risk. | |
| 14 I am putting myself in jeopardy and gambling for my life. | |
| 15 Though he may slay me, I will still argue with him; | |
| 16 and this boldness might even save me for godless do not dare draw near him. | |
| 17 Carefully listen to my words, give my case a hearing. | |
| 18 I will proceed in due form believing that I am guiltless. | |
| 19 If anyone makes good his charges, I am ready to be silenced and die. | |
| 20 Only grant me these two things, O God, and from you I will not hide: | |
| 21 Withdraw your hand far from me, and do not frighten me with your terrors. | |
| 22 Summon me and I will respond; or let me speak and then have your reply. | |
| 23 What are my faults, what are my sins? Make them all known to me. | |
| 24 Why hide your face from me and consider me your enemy? | |
| 25 Why torment a wind-blown leaf or pursue a withered straw? | |
| 26 But you search for accusations and you recall the sins of my youth. | |
| 27 You shackle my feet, keep watch on all my paths and mark out my footsteps. | |
