³ But I would speak to the Almighty,^[a]
    and I desire to argue my case with God.^(A)
4 As for you, you whitewash with lies;
    all of you are worthless physicians.^(B)
5 If you would only keep silent,
    that would be your wisdom!^(C)
6 Hear now my reasoning,
    and listen to the pleadings of my lips.
⁷ Will you speak falsely for God
    and speak deceitfully for him?
⁸ Will you show partiality toward him;
    will you plead the case for God?
⁹ Will it be well with you when he searches you out?
    Or can you deceive him as one person deceives another?^(D)
10 He will surely rebuke you
    if in secret you show partiality.
¹¹ Will not his majesty terrify you
    and the dread of him fall upon you?
¹² Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
    your defenses are defenses of clay.^(E)

²¹ withdraw your hand far from me,
    and do not let dread of you terrify me.^(A)
22 Then call, and I will answer;
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.^(B)
23 How many are my iniquities and my sins?
    Make me know my transgression and my sin.^(C)
24 Why do you hide your face
    and count me as your enemy?^(D)
25 Will you frighten a windblown leaf
    and pursue dry chaff?^(E)
26 For you write bitter things against me
    and make me reap^[a] the iniquities of my youth.^(F)
27 You put my feet in the stocks
    and watch all my paths;
    you set a bound to the soles of my feet.