[1] Then Zophar from Naamah answered Job and said, [2] "This flood of words should be answered! Does all this talking make Job right? [3] Do you think we don't have an answer for you? Do you think no one will warn you when you laugh at God? [4] You say to God, 'My arguments are right, and you can see I am pure.' [5] I wish God would answer you and tell you that you are wrong. [6] He could tell you the secret of wisdom. He would tell you that every story has two sides. You can be sure of this: God is not punishing you as much as he should. [7] "Do you think you really understand God? Do you completely understand God All-Powerful? [8] That knowledge is higher than the heavens and deeper than the place of death. So what can you do? How can you learn it all? [9] It is greater than the earth and bigger than the seas. [10] "If God decides to arrest you and take you to court, no one could stop him. [11] God knows who is worthless. When he sees evil, he remembers it. [12] A wild donkey cannot give birth to a man, and a stupid person will never become wise. [13] Prepare your heart to serve only God. Lift your arms and pray to him. [14] Put away the sin that you still hold on to. Don't keep evil in your tent. [15] If you will do that, you could look to God without shame. You can stand strong and not be afraid. [16] Then you can forget your troubles, like water that has already passed by. [17] Your life will be brighter than the sunshine at noon. Life's darkest hours will shine like the morning sun. [18] You will feel safe because there is hope. God will protect you and give you rest. [19] You will lie down without fear of anyone. Many people will come to you for help. [20] Evil people might look for help, but they will not escape their troubles. Their hope leads only to death."
