God

What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released.

If He holds back the waters, they dry up, and if He releases them, they overwhelm the land.

True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His.

He makes nations great and destroys them; He enlarges nations, then disperses them.

They grope in the darkness without light; He makes them stagger like drunkards.

Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.

Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?

Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?

Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man?

Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.

Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.

Only grant these two things to me, so that I need not hide from You:

Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.

Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.

Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy?

Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff?

For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.

You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.

Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You?

Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed,

If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed! If only You would appoint a time for me and then remember me!

You will call, and I will answer; You will desire the work of Your hands.

For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin.

My transgression would be sealed in a bag, and You would cover over my iniquity.