1 I know and understand

every bit of this.

2 None of you are smarter

than I am;

there's nothing you know

that I don't.

3 But I prefer to argue my case

with God All-Powerful—

4 you are merely useless doctors,

who treat me with lies.

5 The wisest thing you can do

is to keep quiet 6 and listen

to my argument.

7 Are you telling lies for God

8 and not telling the whole truth

when you argue his case?

9 If he took you to court,

could you fool him,

just as you fool others?

10 If you were secretly unfair,

he would correct you,

11 and his glorious splendor

would make you terrified.

12 Your wisdom and arguments

will blow away like dust.

13 Be quiet while I speak,

and we'll see what happens.

14 I will be responsible

for what happens to me.

15 God may kill me, but still

I will trust him*

and offer my defense.

16 This may be what saves me,

because no guilty person

would come to his court.

17 Listen carefully to my words!

18 I have prepared my case well,

and I am certain to win.

19 If you can prove me guilty,

I will give up and die.

20 I ask only two things

of you, my God,

and I will no longer

hide from you—

21 stop punishing

and terrifying me!

22 Then speak, and I will reply;

or else let me speak,

and you reply.

23 Please point out my sins,

so I will know them.

24 Why have you turned your back

and count me your enemy?

25 Do you really enjoy

frightening a fallen leaf?

26 Why do you accuse me

of horrible crimes

and make me pay for sins

I did in my youth?

27 * You have tied my feet down

and keep me surrounded;

28 I am rotting away like cloth

eaten by worms.