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[1] Lo, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it.
[2] What you know, I know also; I am not inferior to you.
[3] But I would speak to the Almighty, and with my reproof would I reason with God.
[4] But you are forgers of lies; you are all healers of no value.
[5] O that you would altogether keep silent! And it would serve you for wisdom.
[6] Hear now my admonition, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.
[7] Will you speak wickedly against God? And talk deceitfully against him?
[8] Will you respect his person? Will you contend with him?
[9] Is it good for you that he should search you out? Or as you are judged by men, would you be judged by him?
[10] He will surely reprove you, if you will show partiality.
[11] His excellency shall seek vengeance of you, and his terror will fall upon you.
[12] Remember that your power is from the earth, and your dwelling place is of clay
[13] Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak also, and tell everything that has come upon me.
[14] Why am I so afflicted, and why is my life exposed to danger?
[15] Though he slay me, yet will I look for him; because my ways are before him.
[16] He also shall be my Saviour; for a hypocrite shall not come before him.
[17] Listen diligently to my speech, and I will relate my declaration in your presence.
[18] Behold now, I am also pleading my cause; and I know that I am innocent.
[19] Who is he that will contend with me? For now I will keep silent and be at rest.
[20] Only two things do not let depart from me; then I will not turn aside from thee:
[21] Do not withdraw thy help from me; and let not thy dread terrify me.
[22] Then call thou me, and I will answer; or let me speak, and answer thou me
[23] How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgressions and my sins.
[24] Wherefore dost thou hide thy face from me, and considerest me as thine enemy?
[25] Wilt thou tread upon a fallen leaf? And wilt thou pursue the dry grass in the air?
[26] For thou decreest chastisement against me, and makest me remember the iniquities of my youth;
[27] Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and watchest all my ways; thou seest the imprints of my feet.
[28] Yet a man is like a worn-out waterskin, and a garment that is moth-eaten
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