2  “Who is this that ^rdarkens counsel by words ^swithout knowledge?

3  ^tDress for action¹ like a man;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.

4  “Where were you when I ^ulaid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

5  Who determined its measurements—surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

6  On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone,

7  when the morning stars ^vsang together

and all ^wthe sons of God ^xshouted for joy?

2  “Shall a faultfinder ^ycontend with the Almighty?

He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

4  “Behold, I am ^zof small account; what shall I answer you?

^aI lay my hand on my mouth.

5  I have spoken ^bonce, and I will not answer;

^btwice, but I will proceed no further.”

7  ^d“Dress for action¹ like a man;

^eI will question you, and you make it known to me.

8  Will you even put me in the wrong?

Will you condemn me that ^fyou may be in the right?

9  Have you ^gan arm like God,

and can you thunder with ^ha voice like his?

2  “I know that you can ^hdo all things,

and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

3  ⁱ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

things ^jtoo wonderful for me, which I did not know.

4  ‘Hear, and I will speak;

^kI will question you, and you make it known to me.’

5  I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

6  therefore I despise myself,

and repent in^{1 l}dust and ashes.”