[1] Zophar the Naamathite replies to Job: [2] "Shouldn't someone stem this torrent of words? Is a man proved right by all this talk? [3] Should I remain silent while you boast? When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed? [4] You claim you are pure in the eyes of God! [5] Oh, that God would speak and tell you what he thinks! [6] Oh, that he would make you truly see yourself, for he knows everything you've done. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve! [7] "Do you know the mind and purposes of God? Will long searching make them known to you? Are you qualified to judge the Almighty? [8] He is as faultless as heaven is high-but who are you? His mind is fathomless-what can you know in comparison? [9] His Spirit is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. [10] If he rushes in and makes an arrest, and calls the court to order, who is going to stop him? [11] For he knows perfectly all the faults and sins of mankind; he sees all sin without searching. [12] "Mere man is as likely to be wise as a wild donkey's colt is likely to be born a man! [13] "Before you turn to God and stretch out your hands to him, get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. [15] Only then, without the spots of sin to defile you, can you walk steadily forward to God without fear. [16] Only then can you forget your misery. It will all be in the past. [17] And your life will be cloudless; any darkness will be as bright as morning! [18] "You will have courage because you will have hope. You will take your time and rest in safety. [19] You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. [20] But the wicked shall find no way to escape; their only hope is death."
