11
1 Then
Zophar, the
Naamathite, answered,
2 “Shouldn’t
the multitude of
words be answered?
Should a man full
of talk be
justified?
3 Should
your boastings make
men hold their
peace?
When you mock, will no man
make you ashamed?
4 For
you say, ‘My
doctrine is pure.
I am clean
in your eyes.’
5 But
oh that God
would speak,
and open his
lips against you,
6 that
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?
8 They
are high as
heaven. What can
you do?
They are deeper
than Sheol.
What can you
know?
9 Its
measure is longer
than the earth,
and broader than
the sea.
10 If
he passes by,
or confines,
or convenes a court,
then who can oppose
him?
11 For
he knows false
men.
He sees iniquity
also, even though
he doesn’t consider
it.
12 An 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.
14 If iniquity
is in your
hand, put it
far away.
Don’t let unrighteousness dwell
in your tents.
15 Surely
then you will
lift up your
face without spot.
Yes, you will
be steadfast, and
will not fear,
16 for
you will forget
your misery.
You will remember
it like waters
that have passed
away.
17 Life
will be
clearer than the
noonday.
Though there is darkness,
it will be
as the morning.
18 You
will be secure,
because there is
hope.
Yes, you will
search, and will
take your rest
in safety.
19 Also you
will lie down,
and no one
will make you
afraid.
Yes, many will court
your favor.
20 But
the eyes of
the wicked will
fail.
They will have
no way to flee.
Their hope will
be the giving up
of the spirit.”