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[1] Behold, mine eye has seen these things, and mine ear has heard them.
[2] And I know all that ye too know; and I have not less understanding than you.
[3] Nevertheless I will speak to the Lord, and I will reason before him, if he will.
[4] But ye are all bad physicians, and healers of diseases.
[5] But would that ye were silent, and it would be wisdom to you in the end.
[6] But hear ye the reasoning of my mouth, and attend to the judgment of my lips.
[7] Do ye not speak before the Lord, and utter deceit before him?
[8] Or will ye draw back? nay do, ye yourselves be judges.
[9] For it were well if he would thoroughly search you: for though doing all things in your power ye should attach yourselves to him,
[10] he will not reprove you at all the less: but if moreover ye should secretly respect persons,
[11] shall not his whirlpool sweep you round, and terror from him fall upon you?
[12] And your glorying shall prove in the end to you like ashes, and your body like a body of clay.
[13] Be silent, that I may speak, and cease from mine anger,
[14] while I may take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
[15] Though the Mighty One should lay hand upon me, forasmuch as he has begun, verily I will speak, and plead before him.
[16] And this shall turn to me for salvation; for fraud shall have no entrance before him.
[17] Hear, hear ye my words, for I will declare in your hearing.
[18] Behold, I am near my judgment: I know that I shall appear evidently just.
[19] For who is he that shall plead with me, that I should now be silent, and expire?
[20] But grant me two things: then I will not hide myself from thy face.
[21] Withhold thine hand from me: and let not thy fear terrify me.
[22] Then shalt thou call, and I will hearken to thee: or thou shalt speak, and I will give thee an answer.
[23] How many are my sins and my transgressions? teach me what they are.
[24] Wherefore hidest thou thyself from me, and deemest me thine enemy?
[25] Wilt thou be startled at me, as at a leaf shaken by the wind? or wilt thou set thyself against me as against grass borne upon the breeze?
[26] for thou hast written evil things against me, and thou hast compassed me with the sins of my youth.
[27] And thou hast placed my foot in the stocks; and thou hast watched all my works, and hast penetrated my heels.
[28] I am as that which waxes old like a bottle, or like a moth-eaten garment.
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