✧1Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered, ✧2“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified? ✧3Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed? ✧4For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’ ✧5But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you, ✧6that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves. ✧7“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty? ✧8They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know? ✧9Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
World English Bible (WEB). World English Bible (Protestant edition). Public domain.
✧10If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
✧11For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.
✧12An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
✧13“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.
✧14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
✧15Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear,
✧16for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.
✧17Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.
✧18You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.
✧19Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor.
✧20But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”