11
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered?
Should a man of many words be declared in the right?
3 Will your empty talk silence men?
Will you mock with no one to shame you?
4 You say, ‘My teaching is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But if only God would speak and open his lips to you,
6 and tell you the secrets of wisdom, for sound wisdom is twofold!
Know that God overlooks some of your iniquity.
7 Can you discover the depths of God?
Can you reach the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are as high as the heavens;
what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol;
what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
10 If he passes by, imprisons, and convenes a court, who can turn him back?
11 For he knows deceitful men;
he sees evil.
Will he not take note?
12 An empty-headed man will gain understanding when a wild donkey's colt is born a man.
13 If you prepare your heart and spread out your hands to him—
14 if there is evil in your hand, put it far away, and do not let injustice dwell in your tents—
15 then surely you will lift your face without blemish;
you will be firm and will not fear.
16 For you will forget your trouble;
you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
17 Your life will rise brighter than noon;
though you are in darkness, you will be like the morning.
18 You will be confident because there is hope;
you will look about and lie down in safety.
19 You will lie down with no one to frighten you, and many will seek your favor.
20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail;
escape will be lost to them, and their hope will be their last breath.”