1
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“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood. |
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2
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What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. |
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3
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Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. |
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4
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You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. |
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5
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If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! |
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6
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Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips. |
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7
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Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him? |
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8
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Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense? |
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9
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Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man? |
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10
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Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality. |
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11
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Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you? |
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12
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Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay. |
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13
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Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may. |
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14
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Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands? |
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15
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Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. |
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16
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Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him. |
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17
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Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears. |
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18
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Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated. |
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19
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Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die. |
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20
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Only grant these two things to me, so that I need not hide from You: |
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21
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Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me. |
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22
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Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. |
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23
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How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin. |
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24
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Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy? |
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25
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Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff? |
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26
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For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth. |
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27
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You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet. |
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28
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So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment. |
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