I Will Be Declared Righteous

1“Behold, my eye has seen all this;

My ear has heard and understood it.

2What you know I also know;

I have not fallen short of you.

3“But I would speak to [†]the Almighty,

And I desire to argue with God.

4But you cover me with lies;

You are all worthless physicians.

5O that you would be completely silent,

And that it would become your wisdom!

6Please hear my argument

And give heed to the contentions of my lips.

7Will you speak what is unrighteous for God,

And speak what is deceitful for Him?

8Will you show partiality for Him?

Will you contend for God?

9Will it be well when He examines you?

Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man?

10He will surely reprove you

If you secretly show partiality.

11Will not His exaltedness terrify you,

And the dread of Him fall on you?

12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes;

Your defenses are defenses of clay.

13“Be silent before me so that I may speak;

Then let come on me what may.

14Why should I take my flesh in my teeth

And put my life in my [†]hands?

15[†]Though He slay me,

I will hope in Him.

Nevertheless I will argue my ways [†]before Him.

16This also will be my salvation,

For a godless man may not come before His presence.

17[†]Listen carefully to my words,

And let my declaration fill your ears.

18Behold now, I have arranged my case for justice;

I know that I will be declared righteous.

19Who will contend with me?

For now I am silent and will breathe my last.

20“Only two things do not do to me,

Then I will not hide from Your face:

21Move Your [†]hand far from me,

And let not the dread of You terrify me.

22Then call, and I will answer;

Or let me speak, then respond to me.

23How many are my iniquities and sins?

Make known to me my transgression and my sin.

24Why do You hide Your face

And think of me as Your enemy?

25Will You cause a driven leaf to tremble?

Or will You pursue the dry chaff?

26For You write bitter things against me

And make me to possess the iniquities of my youth.

27You put my feet in the stocks

And kept watch over all my paths;

You [†]set a limit for the soles of my feet,

28While [†]I am decaying like a rotten thing,

Like a garment that is moth-eaten.