12. Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
13. “Let me have silence, and I myself will speak, and let come over me whatever may.
14. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand?
15. Look, though he kill me, I will hope in him; however, I will defend my ways before him.
16. Moreover, this is salvation to me, that the godless would not come before him.
17. “Listen carefully to my words, and let my exposition be in your ears.
18. Please look, I have prepared my case; I know that I myself will be vindicated.
19. Who is he who will contend with me? For then I would be silent, and I would pass away.
20. “Only you must not do these two things to me; then I will not hide from your face:
21. withdraw your hand from me, and let not your dread terrify me.
22. Then call, and I myself will answer; or let me speak, then reply to me.