1
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Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all.
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2
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According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you.
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3
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But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
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4
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Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions.
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5
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And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men.
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6
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Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips.
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7
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Hath God any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him?
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8
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Do you accept his person, and do you endeavour to judge for God?
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9
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Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings?
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10
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He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person.
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11
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As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you.
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12
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Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay.
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13
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Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me.
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14
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Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands?
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15
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Although he should kill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.
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16
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And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence.
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17
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Hear ye my speech, and receive with your ears hidden truths.
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18
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If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just.
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19
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Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace?
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20
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Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid:
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21
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Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me.
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22
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Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me.
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23
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How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offenses.
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24
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Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy?
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25
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Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou shewest thy power, and thou pursuest a dry straw.
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26
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For thou writest bitter things against me, and wilt consume me for the sins of my youth.
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27
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Thou hast put my feet in the stocks, and hast observed all my paths, and hast considered the steps of my feet:
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28
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Who am to be consumed as rottenness, and as a garment that is motheaten.
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