1 T hen answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

2 S hould not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified?

3 S hould thy boastings make men hold their peace? And when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

4 F or thou sayest, My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in thine eyes.

5 B ut oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee,

6 A nd that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.

7 C anst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

8 I t is high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than Sheol; what canst thou know?

9 T he measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.

10 I f he pass through, and shut up, And all unto judgment, then who can hinder him?

11 F or he knoweth false men: He seeth iniquity also, even though he consider it not.

12 B ut vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born as a wild ass's colt.

13 I f thou set thy heart aright, And stretch out thy hands toward him;

14 I f iniquity be in thy hand, put it far away, And let not unrighteousness dwell in thy tents.

15 S urely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

16 F or thou shalt forget thy misery; Thou shalt remember it as waters that are passed away,

17 A nd thy life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning.

18 A nd thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; Yea, thou shalt search about thee, and shalt take thy rest in safety.

19 A lso thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

20 B ut the eyes of the wicked shall fail, And they shall have no way to flee; And their hope shall be the giving up of the ghost.