[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered: [2] "All these words should not go without an answer. Is this talker to be judged as right? [3] Your talk should not make people be quiet. People should shame you when you make fun of God. [4] You say to God, 'My teachings are right. And I am clean in God's sight.' [5] I wish God would speak. I wish he would open his lips to speak against you. [6] I wish he would tell you the secrets of wisdom. This is because wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin. [7] "Can you understand the secrets of God? Can you search the limits of the God All-Powerful? [8] God's limits are higher than the heavens. You cannot reach them! They are deeper than where the dead are. You cannot know them! [9] His limits are longer than the earth and wider than the sea. [10] "God might come along and put you in prison. If he calls you into court, no one can stop him. [11] God knows which men are evil. And when he sees evil, he notices it. [12] A stupid person cannot become wise. That is as impossible as a wild donkey being born tame. [13] "You must give your whole heart to him. You must hold out your hands to him for help. [14] Put away the sin that is in your hand. Let no evil live in your tent. [15] Then you can lift up your face without shame. You can stand strong without fear. [16] You will forget your trouble. You will remember your troubles only as water that has passed by. [17] Your life will be as bright as the noonday sun. And darkness will seem like morning. [18] You will feel safe because there is hope. You will look around and rest in safety. [19] You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Many people will want favor from you. [20] But the wicked people will not be able to see. So they will not be able to find the way to escape. Their only hope will be to die."
