1  ^p“Behold, my eye has seen all this,

my ear has heard and understood it.

2  ^qWhat you know, I also know;

I am not inferior to you.

3  But ^rI would speak to the Almighty,

and I desire to argue my case with God.

4  As for you, you ^swhitewash ^twith lies;

^uworthless physicians are you all.

5  ^vOh that you would ^wkeep silent,

and it would be your wisdom!

6  Hear now my argument

and listen to the pleadings of my lips.

7  Will you speak falsely for God

and speak deceitfully for him?

8  Will you show partiality toward him?

Will you plead the case for God?

9  Will it be well with you when he searches you out?

Or can you deceive him, as one deceives a man?

10  He will surely rebuke you

if in secret you show partiality.

11  Will not his ^xmajesty terrify you,

and the dread of him fall upon you?

12  Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;

your defenses are defenses of clay.