“It is all one! That is why I say, ‘He destroys the blameless and the guilty.’

For he is not a human being like I am, that I might answer him, that we might come together in judgment.

Are your days like the days of a mortal, or your years like the years of a mortal,

Remember that you have made me as with the clay; will you return me to dust?

But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being.

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this,

Would it turn out well if he would examine you? Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him?

Even if he slays me, I will hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face!

How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgression and my sin.

Like a vine he will let his sour grapes fall, and like an olive tree he will shed his blossoms.

and he contends with God on behalf of man as a man pleads for his friend.

If a man denounces his friends for personal gain, the eyes of his children will fail.

My days have passed, my plans are shattered, even the desires of my heart.

These men change night into day; they say, ‘The light is near in the face of darkness.’

These ten times you have been reproaching me; you are not ashamed to attack me!

“Is not God on high in heaven? And see the lofty stars, how high they are!

“Reconcile yourself with God, and be at peace with him; in this way your prosperity will be good.

Whatever you decide on a matter, it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.

O that I knew where I might find him, that I could come to his place of residence!

For he fulfills his decree against me, and many such things are his plans.