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

2 W hat you know I also know. I am not less than you.

3 “ But I wish to speak to the All-powerful. I want to argue with God.

4 B ut you cover things with lies. You are doctors of no worth.

5 I f only you would be quiet, and that would show your wisdom!

6 H ear what I think. Listen to the arguing of my lips.

7 W ill you say what is not true for God? Will you lie for Him?

8 W ill you show favor for Him? Will you argue for God?

9 W ill it be well when He tests you? Or do you lie to Him as one lies to a man?

10 F or sure He will speak strong words to you if you show favor in secret.

11 W ill not His great power make you afraid? Will not the fear of Him come upon you?

12 Y our wise sayings are sayings of ashes. Your strength is the strength of clay.

13 “ Be quiet so that I may speak. Then let come on me what will.

14 W hy should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands?

15 E ven though He would kill me, yet I will trust in Him. I will argue my ways to His face.

16 T his will save me, for a sinful man may not come to Him.

17 B e careful to listen to my words. Let what I say fill your ears.

18 S ee, I am ready to tell everything, and all will know I am right.

19 W ho will talk against me? For then I would be quiet and die.

20 “ Only two things I ask of You, and then I will not hide from Your face.

21 T ake Your hand from me, and do not let the fear of You make me so afraid.

22 T hen call, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and You answer me.

23 H ow many are my sins and wrong-doings? Help me to know my wrong-doing and sin.

24 W hy do You hide Your face, and think of me as one who hates You?

25 W ill You make a wind-blown leaf afraid? Will You go after the dry parts of a grain-field that have no worth?

26 F or You write bitter things against me. You punish me for the sins I did when I was young.

27 Y ou put chains on my feet, and watch everything I do. You let me walk only so far.

28 I am wasting away like a piece of dead wood, like clothing eaten by the moth.