1Look, I've seen all this with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and I understand it.

2I know what you know. You're no better than me.

3But I would still like to speak to the Almighty: I want to prove myself to God!

4As for you, you cover things up ⁶⁹by telling lies! You are all like doctors who can't heal anyone!

5I wish you would all be quiet! That would be the wisest thing for you to do.

6Listen to my argument and pay attention to what I have to say.

7Do you think you can tell lies to defend God? Are you talking deceitfully on his behalf?

8Or are you wanting to show God favoritism? Are you going to argue God's case for him?

9Will you be found to be doing good when God examines you? Can you fool him as if he's a human being?

10No, he will definitely rebuke you if you secretly show him favoritism!

11Isn't his majesty terrifying to you? Aren't you so afraid of him you're paralyzed?

12Your sayings are as helpful as ashes; your arguments as weak as clay.

13Be quiet. Don't talk to me. Let me speak, come what may.

14I take responsibility for myself; I am ready to risk my life.

15Even though he kills me, I will hope in him. ⁷⁰I am still going to defend my ways before him.

16By doing this I will be saved since no godless person could come before him.

17Listen carefully to what I say, pay attention to my explanation.

18Look, I've prepared my case—I know I will be proved right.

19Who wants to argue with me? If I'm proved wrong, I'm prepared to be quiet and die.

20God, I have two requests, then I can face you.

21Stop beating me, ⁷¹and stop terrifying me.

22Then call, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and then answer me.

23What are my sins and iniquities? Show me what have I done wrong; how have I rebelled against you?

24Why are you unfriendly towards me? ⁷²Why do you treat me as your enemy?

25Would you frighten a leaf blown by the wind or hunt down a piece of straw?

26For you write down bitter things against me and pay me back for the sins of my youth.

27You put my feet in the stocks. You keep an eye on every step I take. You even inspect my footprints!

28I'm falling apart like something rotten, like moth-eaten clothes.