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 godless man shall not come before him.

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

Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.

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

withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.

"Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:

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

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

For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:

though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?

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

Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?

But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.

"Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.

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

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

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

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

Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.

"Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

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

He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.

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

Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.

Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?