1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered, and said,
2Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified?
3Should your boastings make men hold their peace? And when you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?
4For you say, My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.
5But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against you,
6And that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
7Can you by searching find out God? Can you find out the Almighty to perfection?
8It is high as 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 shuts up, And calls to judgment, then who can hinder him?
11For he knows false men: He sees iniquity also, even though he does not consider it.
12But vain man is void of understanding, Indeed, man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
13If you set your heart aright, And stretch out your hands toward him;
14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, And do not let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
15Surely then you shall lift up your face without spot; Indeed, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
16For you shall forget your misery; You shall remember it as waters that have passed away,
17And your life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.
18And you shall be secure, because there is hope; Indeed, you shall search about you, and shall take your rest in safety.
19Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; Indeed, many shall make suit to you.
20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, And they shall have no way to flee; And their hope shall be the giving up of the ghost.