Continuing his answer, Job restated his conviction that his knowledge was not inferior to theirs, and declared that his appeal was to God (1-3). Before making this appeal there is an introductory passage in which he first addressed himself to them in terms of anger (4-12), and then avowed his determination to make his appeal directly to God, and urged two conditions. His contempt for his friends as they are revealed in their attitude toward him knows no bounds. He described them as "forgers of lies," and "physicians of no value"; and proceeded to turn their argument back upon them. They had declared that God is righteous, and visits men according to their deeds. They had been speaking unrighteously for God, and therefore must accept His judgment upon themselves. He finally dismissed all their argument as "proverbs of ashes." Announcing his determination to appeal to God, even though God slay him in this determination, he found some comfort in believing that the godless cannot be heard. He urged two conditions: first, that God withdraw His hand from him; and, second, that He not make him afraid by His terror.
After these preliminary matters, Job's speech becomes a direct appeal to God. He first demanded to know his sins, and why God dealt with him as a leaf, as a moth-eaten garment.