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

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