Zophar Speaks: Job's Guilt Deserves Punishment

1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:

2‘Should a multitude of words go unanswered,

and should one full of talk be vindicated?

3Should your babble put others to silence,

and when you mock, shall no one shame you?

4For you say, “My conduct11.4 Gk: Heb teaching is pure,

and I am clean in God's11.4 Heb your sight.”

5But O that God would speak,

and open his lips to you,

6and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!

For wisdom is many-sided.11.6 Meaning of Heb uncertain

Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.

7‘Can you find out the deep things of God?

Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?11.7 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai

8It is higher than heaven11.8 Heb The heights of heaven—what can you do?

Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?

9Its measure is longer than the earth,

and broader than the sea.

10If he passes through, and imprisons,

and assembles for judgement, who can hinder him?

11For he knows those who are worthless;

when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?

12But a stupid person will get understanding,

when a wild ass is born human.11.12 Meaning of Heb uncertain

13‘If you direct your heart rightly,

you will stretch out your hands towards him.

14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,

and do not let wickedness reside in your tents.

15Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;

you will be secure, and will not fear.

16You will forget your misery;

you will remember it as waters that have passed away.

17And your life will be brighter than the noonday;

its darkness will be like the morning.

18And you will have confidence, because there is hope;

you will be protected11.18 Or you will look around and take your rest in safety.

19You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid;

many will entreat your favour.

20But the eyes of the wicked will fail;

all way of escape will be lost to them,

and their hope is to breathe their last.’