1 Zophar from Naamah said:
2 So much foolish talkcannot go unanswered.
3 Your words have silenced othersand made them ashamed;now it is only right for youto be put to shame.
4 You claim to be innocentand argue that your beliefsare acceptable to God.
5 But I wish he would speak
6 and let you know that wisdomhas many different sides.You would then discoverthat God has punished youless than you deserve.
7 Can you understand the mysteriessurrounding God All-Powerful?
8 They are higher than the heavensand deeper than the grave.So what can you dowhen you know so little,
9 and these mysteries outreachthe earth and the sea?
10 If God puts you in prisonor drags you to court,what can you do?
11 God has the wisdom to knowwhen someone is worthlessand sinful,
12 but it's easier to tamea wild donkeythan to make a fool wise.
13 Surrender your heart to God,turn to him in prayer,
14 and give up your sins—even those you do in secret.
15 Then you won't be ashamed;you will be confidentand fearless.
16 Your troubles will go awaylike water beneath a bridge,
17 and your darkest nightwill be brighter than midday.
18 You will rest safe and secure,filled with hopeand emptied of worry.
19 You will sleep without fearand be greatly respected.
20 But those who are evilwill go blind and lose their way.Their only escape is death!