Behold, he will kill me; I have no hope. Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.

Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

This also shall be my salvation, that a profane man shall not come before him.

Behold now, I have set my case in order. I know that I am righteous.

Hear diligently my speech, and let my declaration be in your ears.

How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin.

Withdraw thy hand far from me, and do not let thy dread make me afraid.

Only do not do two things to me, then I will not hide myself from thy face:

Who is he who will contend with me? For then I would keep silent and give up the spirit.

Then call thou, and I will answer, or let me speak, and answer thou me.

For thou write bitter things against me, and make me to inherit the iniquities of my youth.

Though I am like a rotten thing that decays, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Will thou harass a driven leaf? And will thou pursue the dry stubble?

Thou also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. Thou set a bound to the soles of my feet.

Why do thou hide thy face, and reckon me for thine enemy?

But ye are forgers of lies. Ye are all physicians of no value.

Lo, my eye has seen all [this]. My ear has heard and understood it.

Will ye speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?

Is it good that he should search you out? Or as deceiving a man, will ye deceive him?

Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

What ye know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

O that ye would altogether be silent! And it would be your wisdom.

Be quiet. Let me alone that I may speak, and let come on me what will.

Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God?

He will surely reprove you if ye secretly show partiality.

Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes. Your defenses are defenses of clay.

Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.

Shall not his majesty make you afraid, and his dread fall upon you?