Dual Panel1All this I have seen with my own eyes, with my own ears I have heard and understood it.
2What you know, I also know; in no way do I fall short of you.
3Nevertheless I would speak with the Almighty; I am ready to argue with God,
4while you go on smearing truth with your falsehoods, one and all stitching a patchwork of lies.
5If only you would be silent and let silence be your wisdom!
6Listen, now, to my arguments; attend while I put my case.
7Is it on God's behalf that you speak so wickedly, in his defence that you voice what is false?
8Must you take God's part, putting his case for him?
9Will all go well when he examines you? Can you deceive him as you could a human being?
10He will most surely expose you if you take his part by falsely accusing me.
11Will not God's majesty strike you with dread, and fear of him overcome you?
12Your moralizing talk is so much dross, your arguments crumble like clay.
13Be silent, leave me to speak my mind, and let what may come upon me!
14Why do I expose myself to danger and take my life in my hands?
15If he wishes to slay me, I have nothing to lose; I shall still defend my conduct to his face.
16This at least assures my deliverance: that no godless person may appear before him.
17Listen closely, then, to my words, and give a hearing to my statement.
18Be sure of this: once I have stated my case I know that I shall be acquitted.
19Who is there that can make a case against me so that I should be reduced to silence and death?
20God, grant me these two conditions only, and then I shall not hide out of your sight:
21remove your hand from upon me and let not fear of you strike me with dismay.
22Then summon me, and I shall respond; or let me speak first, and you answer me.
23How many crimes and sins are laid to my charge? Let me know my offence and my sin.
24Why do you hide your face and treat me as your enemy?
25Will you harass a wind-driven leaf and pursue dry chaff,
26that you draw up bitter charges against me, making me heir to the iniquities of my youth,
27putting my feet in the stocks, keeping a close watch on all I do, and setting a slave-mark on my instep?
28[[EMPTY]]