[1] Then answered Zophar the Naamathite and said: [2] "Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified? [3] Should thy lies make men hold their peace? And when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? [4] For thou hast said, 'My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in Thine eyes.' [5] But oh, that God would speak and open His lips against thee, [6] and that He would show thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. [7] "Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? [8] It is as high as heaven: What canst thou do? Deeper than hell: What canst thou know? [9] The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. [10] If He cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder Him? [11] For He knoweth vain men; He seeth wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? [12] For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt. [13] "If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward Him, [14] if iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. [15] For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast and shalt not fear, [16] because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away. [17] And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. [18] And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. [19] Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee. [20] But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape; and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost."
