[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 speak and 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 earth and 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 heart and 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."
