5. Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom.
6. Hear now my reasoning, And hearken to the pleadings of my lips.
7. Will ye speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him?
8. Will ye show partiality to him? Will ye contend for God?
9. Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him?
10. He will surely reprove you If ye do secretly show partiality.
11. Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall upon you?
12. Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay.
13. Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak; And let come on me what will.
14. Wherefore should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand?
15. Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.
16. This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him.
17. Hear diligently my speech, And let my declaration be in your ears.
18. Behold now, I have set my cause in order; I know that I am righteous.
19. Who is he that will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the ghost.
20. Only do not two things unto me; Then will I not hide myself from thy face:
21. Withdraw thy hand far from me; And let not thy terror make me afraid.
22. Then call thou, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and answer thou me.
23. How many are mine iniquities and sins? Make me to know my transgression and my sin.