Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and You respond to me.

Let Him take His rod away from me, and do not let the dread of Him terrify me.

Then I would speak and not fear Him; but it is not so with me.

But oh that God would speak, and open His lips against you,

Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His place!

I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say to me.

There the upright could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.

Oh, that I had one to hear me! Behold, my desire is that the Almighty would answer me, that the man complaining had written an indictment!

If one wished to contend with Him, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.

How then can I answer Him, and choose my words before Him?

For though I had been righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge.

Come now and let us reason together, says Jehovah: Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah has spoken.

Present your case, says Jehovah; approach to argue your defense, says the King of Jacob.

Righteous are You, O Jehovah, when I complain to You; yet let me speak with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are all those who deceive with treachery at ease?

You have planted them; yea, they take root. They grow, yea, they bring forth fruit. You are near in their mouth, but far from their heart.

Mountains, and you enduring foundations of the earth, hear the contention of Jehovah, for Jehovah has a quarrel with His people, and He will argue with Israel.