13 “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.But I desire to speak to the Almighty
and to argue my case with God.You, however, smear me with lies;
you are worthless physicians, all of you!If only you would be altogether silent!
For you, that would be wisdom.Hear now my argument;
listen to the pleas of my lips.Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?
Will you speak deceitfully for him?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 a mortal?He would surely call you to account
if you secretly showed partiality.Would not his splendor terrify you?
Would not the dread of him fall on you?Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
your defenses are defenses of clay.“Keep silent and let me speak;
then let come to me what may.Why do I put myself in jeopardy
and take my life in my hands?Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,
for no godless person would dare come before him!Listen carefully to what I say;
let my words ring in your ears.
18 Now that I have prepared my case,
I know I will be vindicated.Can anyone bring charges against me?
If so, I will be silent and die.
20 “Only grant me these two things, God,
and then I will not hide from you:
21 Withdraw your hand far from me,
and stop frightening me with your terrors.Then summon me and I will answer,
or let me speak, and you reply to me.How many wrongs and sins have I committed?
Show me my offense and my sin.Why do you hide your face
and consider me your enemy?Will you torment a windblown leaf?
Will you chase after dry chaff?For you write down bitter things against me
and make me reap the sins of my youth.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.