³ But I desire to speak to the Almighty^(A)
    and to argue my case with God.^(B)

¹⁷ Listen carefully to what I say;^(A)
    let my words ring in your ears.
¹⁸ Now that I have prepared my case,^(B)
    I know I will be vindicated.^(C)
19 Can anyone bring charges against me?^(D)
    If so, I will be silent^(E) and die.^(F)

²⁰ “Only grant me these two things, God,
    and then I will not hide from you:
²¹ Withdraw your hand^(G) far from me,
    and stop frightening me with your terrors.^(H)
22 Then summon me and I will answer,^(I)
    or let me speak, and you reply to me.^(J)
23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed?^(K)
    Show me my offense and my sin.^(L)
24 Why do you hide your face^(M)
    and consider me your enemy?^(N)
25 Will you torment^(O) a windblown leaf?^(P)
    Will you chase^(Q) after dry chaff?^(R)
26 For you write down bitter things against me
    and make me reap the sins of my youth.^(S)
27 You fasten my feet in shackles;^(T)
    you keep close watch on all my paths^(U)
    by putting marks on the soles of my feet.

²⁸ “So man wastes away like something rotten,
    like a garment^(V) eaten by moths.^(W)