⁸ “But if I were you, I would appeal to God;
    I would lay my cause before him.^(A)

¹⁴ “How then can I dispute with him?
    How can I find words to argue with him?^(A)
15 Though I were innocent, I could not answer him;^(B)
    I could only plead^(C) with my Judge^(D) for mercy.^(E)
16 Even if I summoned him and he responded,
    I do not believe he would give me a hearing.^(F)
17 He would crush me^(G) with a storm^(H)
    and multiply^(I) my wounds for no reason.^(J)
18 He would not let me catch my breath
    but would overwhelm me with misery.^(K)
19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!^(L)
    And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him^[a]?^(M)
20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;
    if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.^(N)

² I say to God:^(A) Do not declare me guilty,
    but tell me what charges^(B) you have against me.^(C)