1Look, my eyes have seen all this;

my earsa have heard and understood it.

2Everything you know, I also know;

I am not inferior to you.a

3Yet I prefer to speak to the Almighty

and argue my case before God.a

4You use lies like plaster;

you are all worthless healers.a

5If only you would shut up

and let that be your wisdom!

6Hear now my argument,

and listen to my defense.A

7Would you testify unjustly on God’s behalf

or speak deceitfully for him?

8Would you show partialitya to him

or argue the case in his defense?

9Would it go well if he examined you?

Could you deceive him as you would deceive a man?a

10Surely he would rebuke you

if you secretly showed partiality.

11Would God’s majesty not terrify you?a

Would his dread not fall on you?

12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash;a

your defenses are made of clay.

13Be quiet,A and I will speak.

Let whatever comes happen to me.

14I will putA myself at riskB

and take my life in my own hands.

15Even if he kills me, I will hope in him.A

I will still defenda my ways before him.

16Yes, this will result in my deliverance,

for no godless persona can appear before him.

17Pay close attention to my words;

let my declaration ring in your ears.

18Now then, I have prepared my case;a

I know that I am right.

19Can anyone indict me?

If so, I will be silent and die.

20Only grant these two things to me, God,

so that I will not have to hide from your presence:

21remove your hand from me,

and do not let your terror frighten me.a

22Then call, and I will answer,a

or I will speak, and you can respond to me.

23How many iniquitiesa and sins have I committed?A

Reveal to me my transgression and sin.

24Why do you hide your face

and consider me your enemy?a

25Will you frighten a wind-driven leaf?

Will you chase after dry straw?

26For you record bitter accusations against me

and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

27You put my feet in the stocks

and stand watch over all my paths,

setting a limit for the solesA of my feet.

28A person wears out like something rotten,

like a moth-eaten garment.a