¹Then Zophar , the Naamathite , answered ,

²“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered ?

Should a man full of talk be justified ?

³Should your boastings make men hold their peace ?

When you mock , will no man make you ashamed ?

⁴For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure .

I am clean in your eyes .’

⁵But oh that God would speak ,

and open his lips against you ,

⁶that 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 ?

⁸They are high as heaven . What can you do ?

They are deeper than Sheol . What can you know ?

⁹Its measure is longer than the earth,

and broader than the sea .

¹⁰If he passes by , or confines,

or convenes a court, then who can oppose him ?

¹¹For he knows false men .

He sees iniquity also , even though he doesn’t consider it .

¹²An 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 towards him .

¹⁴If iniquity is in your hand , put it far away .

Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

¹⁵Surely then you will lift up your face without spot .

Yes , you will be steadfast , and will not fear ,

¹⁶for you will forget your misery .

You will remember it like waters that have passed away .

¹⁷Life will be clearer than the noonday .

Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning .

¹⁸You will be secure, because there is hope .

Yes , you will search , and will take your rest in safety.

¹⁹Also you will lie down , and no one will make you afraid .

Yes, many will court your favour .

²⁰But the eyes of the wicked will fail .

They will have no way to flee.

Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit .”