2  ^t“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

3  ^uDress for action¹ like a man;

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

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

Tell me, if you have understanding.

5  Who determined its ^vmeasurements—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 sang together

and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

2  “Shall a faultfinder ^rcontend with the Almighty?

He who ^sargues with God, let him answer it.”

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

I ^ulay my hand on my mouth.

5  I have spoken once, and ^vI will not answer;

twice, but I will proceed no further.”

7  ^x“Dress for action¹ like a man;

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

8  ^yWill you even put me in the wrong?

^zWill you condemn me that ^ayou may be in the right?

9  Have you an ^barm like God,

and can you thunder with a voice like his?

2  “I know that ⁿyou can do all things,

and that ^ono purpose of yours can be thwarted.

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

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

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

4  ‘Hear, and I will speak;

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

5  ^sI had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,

but now ^tmy eye sees you;

6  therefore ^uI despise myself,

and repent in¹ dust and ashes.”