1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and should a man of lips be justified?
3Should your babblings silence men, and when you mock, should no one shame you?
4For you say, ‘My teaching is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’
5But oh, that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
6and declare to you the secrets of wisdom — for they are double in sound understanding! Then know that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.
7Can you find out the depths of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8They are higher than the heavens — what can you do? Deeper than Sheol — what can you know?
9Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
10If he passes by and shuts up, and calls to assembly, who can turn him back?
11For he knows worthless men; he sees iniquity, and he does not consider it closely.
12But a hollow man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.
13If you yourself set your heart aright and spread out your hands to him,
14if iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let injustice dwell in your tents —
15then indeed you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be firmly set and will not fear.
16For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like waters that have passed by.
17And your life will rise brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.
18And you will trust, because there is hope; you will look about you and lie down in safety.
19You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; and many will court your favor.
20But the eyes of the wicked will fail; every refuge will perish from them, and their hope is a breathing out of life.
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