But my dispute is with God, not you; I want to argue my case with him.

I am being honest, God. Accept my word. There is no one else to support what I say.

How I wish I knew where to find him, and knew how to go where he is.

I want to know what he would say and how he would answer me.

I am honest; I could reason with God; he would declare me innocent once and for all.

You and I are the same in God's sight, both of us were formed from clay.

Then out of the storm the LORD spoke to Job.

Now stand up straight and answer the questions I ask you.

(SEE 40:3)

I have already said more than I should.

stop punishing me, and don't crush me with terror.

Speak first, O God, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and you answer me.

Declare me innocent, O LORD, because I do what is right and trust you completely.

Why do you avoid me? Why do you treat me like an enemy?

God is angry and rages against me; he treats me like his worst enemy.

How I wish that someone would remember my words and record them in a book!

Or with a chisel carve my words in stone and write them so that they would last forever.

But God finds excuses for attacking me and treats me like an enemy.

He binds chains on my feet; he watches every move I make."

"If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, settle the dispute while there is time, before you get to court. Once you are there, you will be turned over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, and you will be put in jail.