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1.
"My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.
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2.
What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
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3.
But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.
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4.
You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!
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5.
If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
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6.
Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips.
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7.
Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?
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8.
Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?
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9.
Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?
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10.
He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.
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11.
Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?
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12.
Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
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13.
"Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.
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14.
Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?
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15.
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
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16.
Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!
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17.
Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say.
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18.
Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.
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19.
Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.
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20.
"Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you:
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21.
Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.
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22.
Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply.
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23.
How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.
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24.
Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?
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25.
Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff?
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26.
For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.
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27.
You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.
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28.
"So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.
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