² “Who is this that ^(B)darkens counsel by words ^(C)without knowledge?
^3 (D)Dress for action^[a] like a man;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.

⁴ “Where were you when I ^(E)laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
⁵ Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
⁶ On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
⁷ when the morning stars ^(F)sang together
    and all ^(G)the sons of God ^(H)shouted for joy?

⁸ “Or who ^(I)shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
⁹ when I made clouds its garment
    and ^(J)thick darkness its swaddling band,
¹⁰ and prescribed ^(K)limits for it
    and set bars and doors,
¹¹ and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your ^(L)proud waves be stayed’?

² “I know that you can ^(A)do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
^3 (B)‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things ^(C)too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
⁴ ‘Hear, and I will speak;
    ^(D)I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
⁵ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
⁶ therefore I despise myself,
    and repent^[a] in ^(E)dust and ashes.”