Study Desk

"So who am I, that I should try to answer God or even reason with him?

Innocent or wicked, it is all the same to God. That's why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.'

The whole earth is in the hands of the wicked, and God blinds the eyes of the judges. If he's not the one who does it, who is?

I would still dread all the pain, for I know you will not find me innocent, O God.

"God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial.

The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment.

I will say to God, ‘Don't simply condemn me— tell me the charge you are bringing against me.

Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed?

You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,' and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.'

If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks!

If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!

"Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?

If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him?

Yet my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer. I am a just and blameless man, yet they laugh at me.

But robbers are left in peace, and those who provoke God live in safety— though God keeps them in his power.

"But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.

As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.

"Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?

God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.

"O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.