O that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) O that I had the indictment written by my adversary!
Listen carefully to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears.
Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?
But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.
“Lay down a pledge for me with yourself; who is there who will give surety for me?
He has kindled his wrath against me and counts me as his adversary.
Even when I cry out, ‘Violence!’ I am not answered; I call aloud, but there is no justice.
“May my enemy be like the wicked, and may my opponent be like the unrighteous.
I cry to you, and you do not answer me; I stand, and you merely look at me.
“Surely one does not turn against the needy, when in disaster they cry for help.
I go about in sunless gloom; I stand up in the assembly and cry for help.
Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me like a crown;
See, before God I am as you are; I, too, was formed from a piece of clay.
How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him and you are waiting for him!
“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Anyone who argues with God must respond.”
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.