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

Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?

Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?

He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,

He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.