1 T hen Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

2 “ Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated?

3 S hould your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?

4 F or you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.’

5 B ut oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you,

6 T hat He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves.

7 “ Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

8 T hey are higher than heaven— what can you do? Deeper than Sheol— what can you know?

9 T heir measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea.

10 “ If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him?

11 F or He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it?

12 F or an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.

13 “ If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him;

14 I f iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;

15 T hen surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;

16 B ecause you would forget your misery, And remember it as waters that have passed away,

17 A nd your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.

18 A nd you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.

19 Y ou would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor.

20 B ut the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope—loss of life!”