1. My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood.

2. What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

3. But I would like to speak to the Almighty, I want to plead my case with God.

4. You are glossing over the problem and offering false remedies.

5. If only you would keep silent, that would at least be wisdom.

6. Hear now my argument; listen to my defense.

7. Will you speak falsely for God? Will you defend him with false inventions?

8. Will you side with him and advocate on his behalf?

9. What if he examines you? Could he be deceived as men are?

10. He will rebuke you for sure if in secret you show partiality.

11. You will be terrified by his majesty, and you will be in dread of him.

12. Heaps of ashes are your maxims; mounds of clay are your defenses.

13. So keep silent and let me speak; this will be at my own risk.

14. I am putting myself in jeopardy and gambling for my life.

15. Though he may slay me, I will still argue with him;

16. and this might even save me for no godless man dares draw near him.

17. Carefully listen to my words, give my case a hearing.

18. I will proceed in due form believing that I am guiltless.

19. If anyone makes good his charges, I am ready to be silenced and die.

20. Only grant me these two things, O God, and from you I will not hide:

21. Withdraw your hand far from me, and do not frighten me with your terrors.

22. Summon me and I will respond; or let me speak and then have your reply.

23. What are my faults, what are my sins? Make them all known to me.

24. Why hide your face from me and consider me your enemy?

25. Why torment a wind-blown leaf or pursue a withered straw?

26. But you search for accusations and you recall the sins of my youth.

27. You shackle my feet, keep watch on all my paths and mark out my footsteps.

28. He falls apart like worm-eaten wood, like cloth devoured by the moths.





“Deus sempre nos dá o que é melhor para nós.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina