1: "Yes, I've seen all this with my own eyes, heard and understood it with my very own ears.
2: Everything you know, I know, so I'm not taking a back seat to any of you.
3: I'm taking my case straight to God Almighty; I've had it with you--I'm going directly to God.
4: You graffiti my life with lies. You're a bunch of pompous quacks!
5: I wish you'd shut your mouths--silence is your only claim to wisdom.
6: "Listen now while I make my case, consider my side of things for a change.
7: Or are you going to keep on lying "to do God a service'? to make up stories "to get him off the hook'?
8: Why do you always take his side? Do you think he needs a lawyer to defend himself?
9: How would you fare if you were in the dock? Your lies might convince a jury--but would they convince God?
10: He'd reprimand you on the spot if he detected a bias in your witness.
11: Doesn't his splendor put you in awe? Aren't you afraid to speak cheap lies before him?
12: Your wise sayings are knickknack wisdom, good for nothing but gathering dust.
13: "So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.
14: Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?
15: Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end.
16: Just wait, this is going to work out for the best--my salvation! If I were guilt-stricken do you think I'd be doing this--laying myself on the line before God?
17: You'd better pay attention to what I'm telling you, listen carefully with both ears.
18: Now that I've laid out my defense, I'm sure that I'll be acquitted.
19: Can anyone prove charges against me? I've said my piece. I rest my case.
20: "Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I'll know I count with you:
21: First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me.
22: Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me.
23: How many sins have been charged against me? Show me the list--how bad is it?
24: Why do you stay hidden and silent? Why treat me like I'm your enemy?
25: Why kick me around like an old tin can? Why beat a dead horse?
26: You compile a long list of mean things about me, even hold me accountable for the sins of my youth.
27: You hobble me so I can't move about. You watch every move I make, and brand me as a dangerous character.
28: "Like something rotten, human life fast decomposes, like a moth-eaten shirt or a mildewed blouse.