26 They rush like light boats, like an eagle pursues prey.

27 If you say to me, 'I will forget my complaints, I will put off my gloomy countenance, and I will be of good cheer;

28 then I tremble at all my afflictions, knowing that thou wilt not declare me innocent.

29 But if I am guilty, why do I languish in vain?

30 Though I also wash myself with the water of the snow, and cleanse my hands perfectly,

31 then also thou shalt sink me into the mud, and my garments abhor me.

32 For he is not a man like me, that I may answer him, and go with him to judgment.

33 There is no mediator between us, who would lay his hand on both of us.

34 Let him draw away his rod from me, and let not his fear terrify me,

35 and then I will speak, and I will not fear him, for I am not so in myself.

Chapter 10

1 My life is abhorrent to my soul; I will give myself over to my sorrow; I will speak in the sorrow of my soul.

2 I will say to God, Do not accuse me; tell me why you are fighting with me?

3 Is it good for thee that thou oppressest, that thou despise the work of thy hands, and that thou dost send light upon the counsel of the wicked?

4 Hast thou the eyes of flesh, and lookest as man looketh?

5 Are your days like the days of a man, or your years like the days of a man?

6 That thou seekest iniquity in me, and searchest sin in me,

7 Though thou knowest that I am not a wicked man, and that there is no one to deliver me out of thy hand?

8 Thy hands have labored over me, and have formed me all round about, and thou hast destroyed me?

9 Remember that thou hast worked me as clay, and hast turned me to dust?

10 Did you not pour me out like milk, and thicken me like curd?