[1] Then Zophar the Na'amathite answered: [2] "Should a multitude of words
go unanswered, and a man full of talk be vindicated? [3] Should your babble
silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? [4] For you say, `r
you say, "My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes.' [5] But oh,
that God would speak, and open his lips to you, [6] and that he would tell
you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. 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? [8] It
is higher than heaven --what can you do? Deeper than Sheol--what can you
know? [9] Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
[10] If he passes through, and imprisons, and calls to judgment, who can
hinder him? [11] For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he
not consider it? [12] But 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. [14] If iniquity is in your hand, put it
far away, and let not wickedness dwell in your tents. [15] Surely then you
will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure, and will not
fear. [16] You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that
have passed away. [17] And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its
darkness will be like the morning. [18] And you will have confidence,
because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.
[19] You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will entreat
your favor. [20] But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape
will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last."
