Even if he slays me, I will hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face!

Why do I put myself in peril, and take my life in my hands?

Moreover, this will become my deliverance, for no godless person would come before him.

See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right.

Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation.

How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgression and my sin.

Remove your hand far from me and stop making me afraid with your terror.

Only in two things spare me, O God, and then I will not hide from your face:

Who will contend with me? If anyone can, I will be silent and die.

Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you respond to me.

For you write down bitter things against me and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth.

So I waste away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.

Do you wish to torment a windblown leaf and chase after dry chaff?

And you put my feet in the stocks and you watch all my movements; you put marks on the soles of my feet.

Why do you hide your face and regard me as your enemy?

But you, however, are inventors of lies; all of you are worthless physicians!

"Indeed, my eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.

Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?

Would it turn out well if he would examine you? Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him?

But I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.

What you know, I know also; I am not inferior to you!

If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom.

"Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak; then let come to me what may.

Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

He would certainly rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality!

Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

"Listen now to my argument, and be attentive to my lips' contentions.

Would not his splendor terrify you and the fear he inspires fall on you?