Whether it is for punishment for his land, or whether it is for mercy, he causes it to find its mark.

Is my strength like that of stones? or is my flesh made of bronze?

If it is a matter of strength, most certainly he is the strong one! And if it is a matter of justice, he will say, ‘Who will summon me?’

my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will whisper no deceit.

If I sinned, then you would watch me and you would not acquit me of my iniquity.

If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?

Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

For, when I think about this, I am terrified and my body feels a shudder.

Reply to me, if you can; set your arguments in order before me and take your stand!

But if they are bound in chains, and held captive by the cords of affliction,

“Is a mortal man righteous before God? Or a man pure before his Creator?

Is not my power to help myself nothing, and has not every resource been driven from me?

“Now then, be good enough to look at me; and I will not lie to your face!

Is there any falsehood on my lips? Can my mouth not discern evil things?

Am I the sea, or the creature of the deep, that you must put me under guard?

Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?

If your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin.

But if you will look to God, and make your supplication to the Almighty,

If he is uprooted from his place, then that place will disown him, saying, ‘I have never seen you!’

Although I am innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my judge for mercy.