³ But I desire to speak to the Almighty^(A)
    and to argue my case with God.^(B)
4 You, however, smear me with lies;^(C)
    you are worthless physicians,^(D) all of you!^(E)
5 If only you would be altogether silent!^(F)
    For you, that would be wisdom.^(G)
6 Hear now my argument;
    listen to the pleas of my lips.^(H)
7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?
    Will you speak deceitfully for him?^(I)
8 Will you show him partiality?^(J)
    Will you argue the case for God?
⁹ Would it turn out well if he examined you?^(K)
    Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?^(L)
10 He would surely call you to account
    if you secretly showed partiality.^(M)
11 Would not his splendor^(N) terrify you?
    Would not the dread of him fall on you?^(O)
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
    your defenses are defenses of clay.^(P)

¹³ “Keep silent^(Q) and let me speak;^(R)
    then let come to me what may.^(S)
14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy
    and take my life in my hands?^(T)
15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope^(U) in him;^(V)
    I will surely^[a] defend my ways to his face.^(W)
16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,^(X)
    for no godless^(Y) person would dare come before him!^(Z)
17 Listen carefully to what I say;^(AA)
    let my words ring in your ears.

²¹ Withdraw your hand^(A) far from me,
    and stop frightening me with your terrors.^(B)
22 Then summon me and I will answer,^(C)
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.^(D)
23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed?^(E)
    Show me my offense and my sin.^(F)
24 Why do you hide your face^(G)
    and consider me your enemy?^(H)
25 Will you torment^(I) a windblown leaf?^(J)
    Will you chase^(K) after dry chaff?^(L)
26 For you write down bitter things against me
    and make me reap the sins of my youth.^(M)
27 You fasten my feet in shackles;^(N)
    you keep close watch on all my paths^(O)
    by putting marks on the soles of my feet.