1 “ Behold, my eye has seen all this, My ear has heard and understood it.

2 “ What you know I also know; I am not inferior to you.

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

4 “ But you smear with lies; You are all worthless physicians.

5 “ O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom!

6 “ Please hear my argument And listen to the contentions of my lips.

7 “ Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him?

8 “ Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?

9 “ Will it be well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man?

10 “ He will surely reprove you If you secretly show partiality.

11 “ Will not His majesty terrify you, And the dread of Him fall on you?

12 “ Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. Job Is Sure He Will Be Vindicated

13 “ Be silent before me so that I may speak; Then let come on me what may.

14 “ Why should I take my flesh in my teeth And put my life in my hands?

15 “ Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.

16 “ This also will be my salvation, For a godless man may not come before His presence.

17 “ Listen carefully to my speech, And let my declaration fill your ears.

18 “ Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.

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

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

21 R emove Your hand from me, And let not the dread of You terrify me.

22 “ Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then reply to me.

23 “ How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my rebellion and my sin.

24 “ Why do You hide Your face And consider me Your enemy?

25 “ Will You cause a driven leaf to tremble? Or will You pursue the dry chaff?

26 “ For You write bitter things against me And make me to inherit the iniquities of my youth.

27 “ You put my feet in the stocks And watch all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet,

28 W hile I am decaying like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.