12
Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
13
"Hold your peace with me, and let me speak, Then let come on me what may!
14
Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hands?
15
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
16
He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.
17
Listen carefully to my speech, And to my declaration with your ears.
18
See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated.
19
Who is he who will contend with me? If now I hold my tongue, I perish.
20
"Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You:
21
Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid.
22
Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me.
23
How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.
24
Why do You hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy?
25
Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble?
26
For You write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27
You put my feet in the stocks, And watch closely all my paths. You set a limit for the soles of my feet.
28
"Man decays like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.