1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered?And should a man full of talk be justified?
3 Should your empty talk make men hold their peace?And when you mock, will no one shame you?
4 For you have said, ‘My teaching is pure,And I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But oh, that God would speakand open His lips against you,
6 and that He would show you the secrets of wisdom!For they would double your prudence.And know that God overlooks some of your iniquity.
7 “Can you search out the deep things of God?Can you find out the totality of the Almighty?
8 It is as high as heaven; what can you do?Deeper than Sheol; what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earthand broader than the sea.
10 “If He passes through, and shuts up, and gathers together for judgment,then who can hinder Him?
11 For He knows worthless men;He sees wickedness also; will He not then consider it?
12 For an empty-headed man will become wise,when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.
13 “If you prepare your heartand stretch out your hands toward Him;
14 if iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,and do not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
15 for then you will lift up your face without blemish;yes, you will be steadfast and will not fear,
16 because you will forget misery,and remember it as waters that pass away,
17 and your life will be brighter than noonday,even your darkness will be as the morning.
18 You will trust because there is hope;yes, you will search about you,and you will look around and rest in safety.
19 Also you will lie down, and none will make you afraid;yes, many will court your favor.
20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail,and they will not escape,and their hope will be as the giving up of breath.”