1 T hen Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

2 “ Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?

3 S hould your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?

4 F or you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. 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 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 T hey are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?

9 I ts measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10 I f he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?

11 F or he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.

12 A n empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.

13 “ If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.

14 I f iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

15 S urely then you shall lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:

16 f or you shall forget your misery. You shall remember it like waters that have passed away.

17 L ife shall be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.

18 Y ou shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.

19 A lso you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall court your favor.

20 B ut the eyes of the wicked shall fail. They shall have no way to flee. Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit.”