1:
Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all.
2:
According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you.
3:
But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
4:
Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions.
5:
And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men..
6:
Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips.
7:
Hath God any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him?
8:
Do you accept his person, and do you endeavour to judge for God?
9:
Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed ? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings ?
10:
He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person.
11:
As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you.
12:
Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay.
13:
Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me.
14:
Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands?
15:
Although he should bill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.
16:
And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence.
17:
Hear ye my speech, and receive with Sour ears hidden truths.
18:
If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just.
19:
Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace?
20:
Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid:
21:
Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me.
22:
Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me.
23:
How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offences.
24:
Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy?
25:
Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou shewest thy power, and thou pursuest a dry straw.
26:
For thou writest bitter things against me, and wilt consume me for the sins of my youth.
27:
Thou hast put my feet in the stocks, and hast observed all my paths, and hast considered the steps of my feet:
28:
Who am to be consumed as rottenness, and as a garment that is moth-eaten.