³ Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God.

²¹ Produce your cause, saith Jehovah; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.

³⁵ Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); And `that I had' the indictment which mine adversary hath written!

²² Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me.

³ If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand.

² Hear, O ye mountains, Jehovah's controversy, and ye enduring foundations of the earth; for Jehovah hath a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.

¹ Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, when I contend with thee; yet would I reason the cause with thee: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they at ease that deal very treacherously?

² Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root; they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their heart.

¹⁸ Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

¹⁹ If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

²⁰ but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.

³ Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

⁴ I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.

⁵ I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me.

⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

⁷ There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

¹⁵ Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.

⁵ But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee,

³⁴ Let him take his rod away from me, And let not his terror make me afraid:

³⁵ Then would I speak, and not fear him; For I am not so in myself.

¹⁴ How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words `to reason' with him?

¹⁵ Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge.