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2 What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.
3 But I desire to speak to the Almighty,
and I would prefer to reason with God.
4 For your part, you smear me with lies;
you are all worthless physicians!
5 If only you keep silent,
then that would be your wisdom!
6 “Hear now my reasoning,
and listen to the pleadings of my lips.
7 Will you testify unjustly on God’s behalf,
or speak deceitfully for Him?
8 Will you show Him partiality?
Will you argue the case for God?
9 Will it go well when He searches you out?
Or can you deceive Him as one man deceives another?
10 He will surely rebuke you,
if you show partiality.
11 Will not His splendour make you afraid,
and the dread of Him fall on you?
12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes;
your defences are defences of clay.
13 “Be silent with me, so that I may speak;
then let come to me what may.
14 Why do I put my life in jeopardy,
and take my life in my hands?
15 He might slay me, yet I will still hope in Him;
but I will defend my ways to His face.
16 This will also work out for my deliverance,
for a godless person cannot come before Him.
17 Listen carefully to my words;
let my declaration be in your ears.
18 Indeed, now that I have prepared my case
I know I will be vindicated.
19 Can anyone bring charges against Me?
If so, I will be silent and die.”
20 “O God, only grant me these two things,
then I will not hide myself from You:
21 withdraw Your hand far from me,
and let not the dread of You terrify me.
22 Call to me, and I will answer,
or let me speak and You reply.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins?
Show me know my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face,
and consider me Your enemy?
25 Will You frighten a leaf blown to and fro?
Will You chase after dry chaff?
26 For You write down bitter things against me,
and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks,
and look closely at all my paths,
You set a limit for the soles of my feet.
28 “So man wastes away like a decaying thing,
like a garment that is moth-eaten.”