| | 1 | Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
| |
| | 2 | "Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
| |
| | 3 | Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?
| |
| | 4 | For you say, 'My doctrine is pure, I am clean in your eyes.'
| |
| | 5 | But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against you,
| |
| | 6 | That he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
| |
| | 7 | "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
| |
| | 8 | They are high as heaven. What can you do? Deeper than Sheol: what can you know?
| |
| | 9 | The measure of it is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.
| |
| | 10 | If he passes by, or confines, Or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
| |
| | 11 | For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.
| |
| | 12 | But vain man can become wise If a man can be born as a wild donkey's colt.
| |
| | 13 | "If you set your heart aright, Stretch out your hands toward him.
| |
| | 14 | If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
| |
| | 15 | Surely then shall you lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
| |
| | 16 | For you shall forget your misery; You shall remember it as waters that are passed away,
| |
| | 17 | Life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.
| |
| | 18 | You shall be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.
| |
| | 19 | Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; Yes, many shall court your favor.
| |
| | 20 | But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, They shall have no way to flee; Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."
| |
