‘I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, without iniquity.
If I sinned, You would watch me, and not acquit me of my iniquity.
though You know that I am not guilty, yet there is no one to deliver from Your hand?
For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless’ and ‘I am pure in Your eyes!’
See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.
How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgressions and sin.
my transgression will be sealed in a bundle and cover over my iniquity.
yet no violence is in my hands and my prayer is pure.
The upright are appalled at this; the innocent are stirred up against the ungodly.
But the righteous one holds to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger.
Yet He knows the way that I take; if He tested me, I would come out as gold.
I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was as my robe and turban.
So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
“Indeed, you have said in my hearing, —I heard the sound of the words:
“For Job says, ‘I am righteous, but God has deprived me of justice.
Concerning my right, should I lie? My wound is incurable, although I am without transgression.’
“Do you think this is just? Do you say, ‘My righteousness is greater than God’s?’
Why do You not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust, and You will search for me, but I will be gone.”
He who crushes me with a storm and multiplies my wounds for no reason.
“I am guiltless. I have no concern for myself. I despise my life.
If a scourge smites suddenly, He mocks the despair of the innocent.
I still dread all my pains, for I know You will not find me innocent.
you say, ‘I am innocent— surely His anger is turned away from me?’ See, I will pass judgment on you, since you say: ‘I haven’t sinned!’