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

Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand?

This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him.

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

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

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

Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid.

Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face:

Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost.

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

For thou writest bitter things against me, And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth:

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

Wilt thou harass a driven leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet:

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, And holdest me for thine enemy?

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

Lo, mine eye hath seen all this , Mine ear hath 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 one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him?

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

What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you.

Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom.

Hold your peace, 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 do secretly show partiality.

Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences 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?