[1] Finally, Job's third friend, Zophar the Naamathite, spoke to Job. [2] Zophar: Shall such a great volume of words remain unanswered and a long-winded man be so easily acquitted? [3] Shall your empty prattle silence people, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? [4] You've told us, "I have a clear understanding of things, and I am innocent in Your eyes, O Lord." [5] Ah, but I wish God would speak, that He would address you openly, so I will argue for Him. [6] I wish He would show you the secrets of great wisdom- for the two sides of sound wisdom are both found in His mercy and justice. Know this: God forgets some of your guilt. [7] Can you see to the unseen side of God, or explore the limits of the Highest One's knowledge? [8] Higher than the heavens-what can you do to reach it? Deeper than the realm of the dead-what can you know of it? [9] Its farthest reaches exceed the ends of the earth; its breadth spans far beyond the sea. [10] If He passes by, as is His routine, and throws you into prison, and calls you to testify about what you've done, who can challenge Him? [11] He recognizes worthless people without integrity, so do you really think when He sees wrongdoing He doesn't examine it? [12] As they say, "The empty-headed will become clever in the day the colt of a wild donkey is born human!" [13] If you will focus your intentions in His direction and open your hands and reach for Him, [14] Where you have guilt on your hands, if you will send it far away and not tolerate sin in your tents, [15] Then you will lift up a face clean of all stains; you will hold your head high, secure, and free of fear. [16] You will forget all of these troubles of yours; they will pass beneath your memory like a drop of water that has just flowed away. [17] Life will become brighter than high noon; darkness will give way to morning. [18] Once again, you'll trust in the presence of hope; you'll scan the horizon and sleep safely. [19] You will lie down, and no one will terrorize you, and many will long to be in your good graces. [20] But the eyes of the wicked will grow dark as they lose hope; they'll find no escape, and in despair, they'll long only to breathe their last dying breath.
