1"Yes, I've seen all this with my own eyes, heard and understood it with my very own ears.
2Everything you know, I know, so I'm not taking a back seat to any of you.
3I'm taking my case straight to God Almighty; I've had it with you—I'm going directly to God.
4You graffiti my life with lies. You're a bunch of pompous quacks!
5I wish you'd shut your mouths— silence is your only claim to wisdom.
6"Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change.
7Or are you going to keep on lying 'to do God a service'? to make up stories 'to get him off the hook'?
8Why do you always take his side? Do you think he needs a lawyer to defend himself?
9How would you fare if you were in the dock? Your lies might convince a jury—but would they convince God?
10He'd reprimand you on the spot if he detected a bias in your witness.
11Doesn't his splendor put you in awe? Aren't you afraid to speak cheap lies before him?
12Your wise sayings are knickknack wisdom, good for nothing but gathering dust.
13"So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.
14Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?
15Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end.
16Just wait, this is going to work out for the best—my salvation! If I were guilt-stricken do you think I'd be doing this— laying myself on the line before God?
17You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears.
18Now that I've laid out my defense, I'm sure that I'll be acquitted.
19Can anyone prove charges against me? I've said my piece. I rest my case.
20"Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you:
21First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me.
22Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me.
23How many sins have been charged against me? Show me the list—how bad is it?
24Why do you stay hidden and silent? Why treat me like I'm your enemy?
25Why kick me around like an old tin can? Why beat a dead horse?
26You compile a long list of mean things about me, even hold me accountable for the sins of my youth.
27You hobble me so I can't move about. You watch every move I make, and brand me as a dangerous character.
28"Like something rotten, human life fast decomposes, like a moth-eaten shirt or a mildewed blouse.