| 1 | Then Zophar the Naamathite answered: |
| 2 | “Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and should one full of talk be vindicated? |
| 3 | Should your babble put others to silence, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? |
| 4 | For you say, ‘My conduct is pure, and I am clean in God’s sight.’ |
| 5 | But O that God would speak, and open his lips to you, |
| 6 | and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For wisdom is many-sided. 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 assembles for judgment, who can hinder him? |
| 11 | For he knows those who are worthless; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? |
| 12 | But a stupid person will get understanding, when a wild ass is born human. |
| 13 | “If you direct your heart rightly, you will stretch out your hands toward him. |
| 14 | If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness reside 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 no one 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.” |