1Behold, all this my eye has seen, my ear has heard and understood it.
2As your knowledge, so I know it, I also; I am not inferior to you.
3But I, to Shaddai I would speak, and I desire to reason with God.
4But you, you are smearers of falsehood, worthless physicians, all of you.
5Oh that you would altogether keep silent! And it would be wisdom for you.
6Hear now my argument, and attend to the pleadings of my lips.
7Will you speak injustice for God, and for Him will you speak deceit?
8Will you lift up His face? Or will you contend for God?
9Would it be good when He searches you out? Or as one mocks a man, will you mock Him?
10Surely He will reprove you, if in secret you lift up faces.
11Shall not His majesty terrify you, and His dread fall upon you?
12Your memorials are proverbs of ashes, your defenses are defenses of clay.
13Be silent away from me, that I may speak, I myself, and let pass over me whatever may.
14For what do I take my flesh (basar) in my teeth, and put my soul (nephesh) in my palm?
15Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him; but I will argue my ways before His face.
16Also this shall be for my salvation (yeshuah), for before His face a godless one shall not come.
17Hear diligently my speech, and let my declaration be in your ears.
18Behold now, I have set in order my judgment (mishpat); I know that I shall be justified.
19Who is he that will contend with me? For then I would keep silent and expire.
20Only do not do two things to me, then I will not hide from Your face:
21Remove Your hand far from upon me, and let not Your terror frighten me.
22And call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and reply to me.
23How many are my iniquities and sins? My transgression and my sin make me know.
24Why do You hide Your face, and reckon me as an enemy to You?
25Will You terrify a driven leaf, and pursue the dry stubble?
26For You write against me bitter things, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27And You put my feet in the stocks, and watch all my paths; upon the roots of my feet You trace a line.
28And he, like rottenness, wears away, like a garment that the moth has eaten.