13. Hold your peace! Let me alone, so I may speak; and let come on me what may.
14. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hands [incurring the danger of God's wrath]?
15. [I do it because, though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him and] behold, He will slay me; I have no hope–nevertheless, I will maintain and argue my ways before Him and even to His face.
16. This will be my salvation, that a polluted and godless man shall not come before Him.
17. Listen diligently to my speech, and let my declaration be in your ears.
18. Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be justified and vindicated.
19. Who is he who will argue against and refute me? For then I would hold my peace and expire.
20. Only [O Lord] grant two conditions to me, and then will I not hide myself from You:
21. Withdraw Your hand and take this bodily suffering far from me; and let not my [reverent] dread of You terrify me.
22. Then [Lord] call and I will answer, or let me speak, and You answer me.
23. How many are my iniquities and sins [that so much sorrow should come to me]? Make me recognize and know my transgression and my sin. [Rom. 8:1.]
24. Why do You hide Your face [as if offended] and alienate me as if I were Your enemy?