The Impossibility of Facing God in Court

14 “How much less, then, can I answer him

and choose my words to argue with him!

15 Although I am innocent,

I could not answer him;

I could only plead with my judge for mercy.

16 If I summoned him, and he answered me,

I would not believe

that he would be listening to my voice –

17 he who crushes me with a tempest,

and multiplies my wounds for no reason.

18 He does not allow me to recover my breath,

for he fills me with bitterness.

19 If it is a matter of strength,

most certainly he is the strong one!

And if it is a matter of justice,

he will say, ‘Who will summon me?’

20 Although I am innocent,

my mouth would condemn me;

although I am blameless,

it would declare me perverse.

21 I am blameless. I do not know myself.

I despise my life.