Zophar's speech

1Then Zophar the Na'amathite answered:

2“Should a multitude of words go unanswered,

and a man full of talk be vindicated?

3Should your babble silence men,

and when you mock, shall no one shame you?

4For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,

and I am clean in God's eyes.’

5But oh, that God would speak,

and open his lips to you,

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

For he is manifold in understanding.11.6 Heb obscure

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?

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 calls to judgment, who can hinder him?

11For he knows worthless men;

when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?

12But a stupid man will get understanding,

when a wild ass's colt is born a man.

13“If you set your heart aright,

you will stretch out your hands toward him.

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

and let not wickedness dwell 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 none 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.”