Summa.
1-2Everything you say, I have heard before. I understand it all; I know as much as you do. I'm not your inferior.
3But my dispute is with God, not you; I want to argue my case with him.
4You cover up your ignorance with lies; you are like doctors who can't heal anyone.
5Say nothing, and someone may think you are wise!
6Listen while I state my case.
7Why are you lying? Do you think your lies will benefit God?
8Are you trying to defend him? Are you going to argue his case in court?
9If God looks at you closely, will he find anything good? Do you think you can fool God the way you fool others?
10Even though your prejudice is hidden, he will reprimand you,
11and his power will fill you with terror.
12Your proverbs are as useless as ashes; your arguments are as weak as clay.
13Be quiet and give me a chance to speak, and let the results be what they will.
14I am ready to risk my life.
15I've lost all hope, so what if God kills me? I am going to state my case to him.
16It may even be that my boldness will save me, since no wicked person would dare to face God.
17Now listen to my words of explanation.
18I am ready to state my case, because I know I am in the right.
19Are you coming to accuse me, God? If you do, I am ready to be silent and die.
20Let me ask for two things; agree to them, and I will not try to hide from you:
21stop punishing me, and don't crush me with terror.
22Speak first, O God, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and you answer me.
23What are my sins? What wrongs have I done? What crimes am I charged with?
24Why do you avoid me? Why do you treat me like an enemy?
25Are you trying to frighten me? I'm nothing but a leaf; you are attacking a piece of dry straw.
26You bring bitter charges against me, even for what I did when I was young.
27You bind chains on my feet; you watch every step I take, and even examine my footprints.
28As a result, I crumble like rotten wood, like a moth-eaten coat.