A reading from the Book of Job.

Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it.

What you know, I also know. I am not inferior to you. But I would speak to the Almighty,

and I desire to argue my case with God. As for you, you whitewash

with lies, worthless physicians are you all. Oh, that you would keep silent, and it would be your

wisdom. Hear now my argument, and listen to the pleadings of my lips. Will you speak falsely for God and speak

deceitfully for Him? Will you show partiality toward Him? Will you plead the case for God?

Will it be well with you when He searches you out? Or can you deceive him as one deceives a man?

He will surely rebuke you if in secret you show partiality.

Will not His Majesty terrify you and the dread of him fall upon you?

Your maxims are Proverbs of Ashes. Your defenses are defenses of clay. Let me have silence,

and I will speak, and let come on me what may. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth,

and put my life in my hand?

Though he slay me, I will hope in him.

Yet I will argue my ways to his face.

This will be my salvation that the godless shall not come before him.

Keep listening to my words and let my declaration be in your ears.

Behold, I have prepared my case. I know that I shall be in the right. Who is there who will

contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.

Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from your face.

Withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me.

Then call and I will answer, or let me speak and you reply to me. How many are my iniquities and my sins?

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