1Lo , mine eye hath seen all this , Mine ear hath heard and understood it . 2What ye know , the same do I know also : I am not inferior unto you . 3Surely I would speak to the Almighty , And I desire to reason with God. 4But ye are forgers of lies ; Ye are all physicians of no value. 5Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace ! And it would be your wisdom . 6Hear now my reasoning , And hearken to the pleadings of my lips .
Job's Desire to Speak to God
7Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him ? 8Will ye show partiality to him ? Will ye contend for God? 9Is it good that he should search you out ? Or as one deceiveth a man , will ye deceive him ? 10He will surely reprove you , If ye do secretly show partiality . 11Shall not his majesty make you afraid , And his dread fall upon you ? 12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay .
The Reality of God's Judgment
13Hold your peace , let me alone , that I may speak ; And let come on me what will . 14Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth , And put my life in my hand ? 15Behold , he will slay me ; I have no hope : Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him . 16This also shall be my salvation , That a godless man shall not come before him . 17Hear diligently my speech , And let my declaration be in your ears. 18Behold now , I have set my cause in order ; I know that I am righteous . 19Who is he that will contend with me ? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost .
Job's Confidence in His Integrity
20Only do not two things unto me ; Then will I not hide myself from thy face : 21Withdraw thy hand far from me ; And let not thy terror make me afraid . 22Then call thou , and I will answer ; Or let me speak , and answer thou me . 23How many are mine iniquities and sins ? Make me to know my transgression and my sin . 24Wherefore hidest thou thy face , And holdest me for thine enemy? 25Wilt thou harass a driven leaf ? And wilt thou pursue the dry stubble ? 26For thou writest bitter things against me , And makest me to inherit the iniquities of my youth : 27Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks , And markest all my paths; Thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet :
The Final Plea for Understanding
28Though I am like a rotten thing that consumeth , Like a garment that is moth-eaten .