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But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God.
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But you forgers of lies, You are all worthless physicians.
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Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!
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Now hear my reasoning, And heed the pleadings of my lips.
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Will you speak wickedly for God, And talk deceitfully for Him?
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Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?
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Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?
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He will surely rebuke you If you secretly show partiality.
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Will not His excellence make you afraid, And the dread of Him fall upon you?
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Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
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"Hold your peace with me, and let me speak, Then let come on me what may!
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Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hands?
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Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
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He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.
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Listen carefully to my speech, And to my declaration with your ears.
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See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated.
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Who is he who will contend with me? If now I hold my tongue, I perish.
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"Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You:
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Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid.
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Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me.
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How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.