[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: [2] “Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? [3] Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke? [4] You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ [5] But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, [6] and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. [7] Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? [8] They are higher than the heavens— what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol— what can you know? [9] Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. [10] If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him? [11] Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note? [12] But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man! [13] As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, [14] if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents, [15] then indeed you will lift up your face without blemish; you will stand firm and unafraid. [16] For you will forget your misery, recalling it only as waters gone by. [17] Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. [18] You will be secure, because there is hope, and you will look around and lie down in safety. [19] You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor. [20] But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath.”
