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

² I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Show me wherefore thou contendest with me.

² Shall he that cavilleth contend with the Almighty? He that argueth with God, let him answer it.

²⁰ because if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

²⁰ Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus?

¹⁵ For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

¹⁶ For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls that I have made.

¹² For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me.

¹² Who can discern `his' errors? Clear thou me from hidden `faults'.

¹⁴ If he set his heart upon himself, `If' he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

¹⁵ All flesh shall perish together, And man shall turn again unto dust.

¹³ Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters?

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!

³⁶ Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown:

³⁷ I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him.

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.

³² For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, That we should come together in judgment.

³³ There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both.

²⁰ Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.