Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

Who {is} this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Lo, these {are} parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

Surely I {am} more brutish than {any} man, and have not the understanding of a man.

When I thought to know this, it {was} too painful for me; {too...: Heb. labour in mine eyes}

So foolish {was} I, and ignorant: I was {as} a beast before thee. {ignorant: Heb. I knew not} {before Heb. with}

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

But I have understanding as well as you; I {am} not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these? {understanding: Heb. an heart} {I am...: Heb. I fall not lower than you} {who...: Heb. with whom are not such as these?}

Who {is} he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

{Such} knowledge {is} too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot {attain} unto it.

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where {is} the place of understanding?

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. {darkly: Gr. in a riddle}

Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.

Many, O LORD my God, {are} thy wonderful works {which} thou hast done, and thy thoughts {which are} to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: {if} I would declare and speak {of them}, they are more than can be numbered. {they cannot...: or, none can order them unto thee}

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable {are} his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. {my words...: that is, I want words to express my grief}

I would order {my} cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

{Touching} the Almighty, we cannot find him out: {he is} excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.