God does not take up Job’s challenge. Later, when he judges that the right time has come, God will speak. But for now, Job is left to have the dispute all by himself.
From Job’s first question it is clear that he still finds himself in the dilemma that his friends had created. He believes that his suffering must be punishment, albeit undeserved punishment. Job is not claiming to be sinless (see Job 7:21). However, he does not believe his sin to be deserving of such a heavy punishment. He has always been sincere in his devotion to God.
23 How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.