1Truly, my eye has seen all this, word of it has come to my ear, and I have knowledge of it.
2The same things are in my mind as in yours; I am equal to you.
3But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.
4But you put a false face on things; all your attempts to put things right are of no value.
5If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!
6Give ear to the argument of my mouth, and take note of the words of my lips.
7Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth?
8Will you have respect for God's person in this cause, and put yourselves forward as his supporters?
9Will it be good for you to be searched out by him, or have you the thought that he may be guided into error like a man?
10He will certainly put you right, if you have respect for persons in secret.
11Will not his glory put you in fear, so that your hearts will be overcome before him?
12Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth.
13Keep quiet, and let me say what is in my mind, whatever may come to me.
14I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
15Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him;
16And that will be my salvation, for an evil-doer would not come before him,
17Give ear with care to my words, and keep what I say in your minds.
18See now, I have put my cause in order, and I am certain that I will be seen to be right.
19Is any one able to take up the argument against me? If so, I would keep quiet and give up my breath.
20Only two things do not do to me, then I will come before your face:
21Take your hand far away from me; and let me not be overcome by fear of you.
22Then at the sound of your voice I will give answer; or let me put forward my cause for you to give me an answer.
23What is the number of my evil-doings and my sins? give me knowledge of them.
24Why is your face veiled from me, as if I was numbered among your haters?
25Will you be hard on a leaf in flight before the wind? will you make a dry stem go more quickly on its way?
26For you put bitter things on record against me, and send punishment on me for the sins of my early years;
27And you put chains on my feet, watching all my ways, and making a limit for my steps;
28Though a man comes to nothing like a bit of dead wood, or like a robe which has become food for the worm.