³⁷ For I would tell him exactly what I have done.
    I would come before him like a prince.

¹⁵ God might kill me, but I have no other hope.^[a]
    I am going to argue my case with him.

¹² How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

³ You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
    It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
    things far too wonderful for me.
⁴ You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!
    I have some questions for you,
    and you must answer them.’
⁵ I had only heard about you before,
    but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
⁶ I take back everything I said,
    and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

²⁵ Like a chief, I told them what to do.
    I lived like a king among his troops
    and comforted those who mourned.

¹⁶ For then you would guard my steps,
    instead of watching for my sins.

³ If someone wanted to take God to court,^[a]
    would it be possible to answer him even once in a thousand times?