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

But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.

O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.

Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?

Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?

10 He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.

11 Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you?

12 Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.

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But I desire to speak to the Almighty(A)
    and to argue my case with God.(B)
You, however, smear me with lies;(C)
    you are worthless physicians,(D) all of you!(E)
If only you would be altogether silent!(F)
    For you, that would be wisdom.(G)
Hear now my argument;
    listen to the pleas of my lips.(H)
Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?
    Will you speak deceitfully for him?(I)
Will you show him partiality?(J)
    Will you argue the case for God?
Would it turn out well if he examined you?(K)
    Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?(L)
10 He would surely call you to account
    if you secretly showed partiality.(M)
11 Would not his splendor(N) terrify you?
    Would not the dread of him fall on you?(O)
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
    your defenses are defenses of clay.(P)

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