1 “Behold, my eye has seen allthis,
My ear has heard and understood it.
2 What you know, I also know;
Iamnot inferior to you.
3 But I would speak to the Almighty,
And I desire to reason with God.
4 But you forgers of lies,
# Youareall worthless physicians.
5 Oh, that you would be silent,
# Andit would be your wisdom!
6 Now hear my reasoning,
And heed the pleadings of my lips.
7 Will you speak wickedly for God,
And talk deceitfully for Him?
8 Will you show partiality for Him?
Will you contend for God?
9 Will it be well when He searches you out?
Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?
10 He will surely rebuke you
If you secretly show partiality.
11 Will not His excellence make you afraid,
And the dread of Him fall upon you?
12 Your platitudesareproverbs of ashes,
Your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 “Hold your peace with me, and let me speak,
Then let come on me whatmay!
14 Whydo I take my flesh in my teeth,
And put my life in my hands?
15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
# Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
16 He alsoshallbe my salvation,
# For ahypocrite could not come before Him.
17 Listen carefully to my speech,
And to my declaration with your ears.
18 See now, I have preparedmycase,
# I know that I shall bevindicated.
19 Whoishewhowill contend with me?
If now I hold my tongue, I perish.
Job’s Despondent Prayer
20 “Onlytwothingsdo not do to me,
Then I will not hide myself from You:
21 Withdraw Your hand far from me,
And let not the dread of You make me afraid.
22 Then call, and I willanswer;
Or let me speak, then You respond to me.
23 How manyaremy iniquities and sins?
Make me know my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face,
# Andregard me as Your enemy?
25 Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro?
And will You pursue dry stubble?
26 For You write bitter things against me,
# Andmake me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks,
And watch closely all my paths.
You set a limit for the soles of my feet.
28 “Mandecays like a rotten thing,
Like a garment that is moth-eaten.