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

Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.

For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

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 ones. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.

Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.

For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

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

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

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

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. read more There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. show less

Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.