² “Who is this that ^(B)darkens counsel by words ^(C)without knowledge?
^3 (D)Dress for action^[a] like a man;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.

⁴ “Where were you when I ^(E)laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.

² “Shall a faultfinder ^(B)contend with the Almighty?
    He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

⁴ “Behold, I am ^(C)of small account; what shall I answer you?
    ^(D)I lay my hand on my mouth.
⁵ I have spoken ^(E)once, and I will not answer;
    ^(F)twice, but I will proceed no further.”

^7 (H)“Dress for action^[a] like a man;
    ^(I)I will question you, and you make it known to me.
⁸ Will you even put me in the wrong?
    Will you condemn me that ^(J)you may be in the right?
⁹ Have you ^(K)an arm like God,
    and can you thunder with ^(L)a voice like his?

² “I know that you can ^(A)do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
^3 (B)‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things ^(C)too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
⁴ ‘Hear, and I will speak;
    ^(D)I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
⁵ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
⁶ therefore I despise myself,
    and repent^[a] in ^(E)dust and ashes.”