I Will Be Declared Righteous
“Behold, my eye has seen all this;
My ear has heard and understood it.
2 What you know I also know;
I have not fallen short of you.
3 “But I would speak to the Almighty,
And I desire to argue with God.
4 But you cover me with lies;
You are all worthless physicians.
5 O that you would be completely silent,
And that it would become your wisdom!
6 Please hear my argument
And give heed to the contentions of my lips.
7 Will you speak what is unrighteous for God,
And speak what is deceitful for Him?
8 Will you show partiality for Him?
Will you contend for God?
9 Will it be well when He examines you?
Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man?
10 He will surely reprove you
If you secretly show partiality.
11 Will not His exaltedness terrify you,
And the dread of Him fall on you?
12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes;
Your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 “Be silent before me so that I may speak;
Then let come on me what may.
14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth
And put my life in my hands?
15 Though He slay me,
I will hope in Him.
Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.
16 This also will be my salvation,
For a godless man may not come before His presence.
17 Listen carefully to my words,
And let my declaration fill your ears.
18 Behold now, I have arranged my case for justice;
I know that I will be declared righteous.
19 Who will contend with me?
For now I am silent and will breathe my last.
20 “Only two things do not do to me,
Then I will not hide from Your face:
21 Move Your hand far from me,
And let not the dread of You terrify me.
22 Then call, and I will answer;
Or let me speak, then respond to me.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins?
Make known to me my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face
And think of me as Your enemy?
25 Will You cause a driven leaf to tremble?
Or will You pursue the dry chaff?
26 For You write bitter things against me
And make me to possess the iniquities of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks
And kept watch over all my paths;
You set a limit for the soles of my feet,
28 While I am decaying like a rotten thing,
Like a garment that is moth‑eaten.