The Preacher's Bible

Then 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 toward 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 favor.

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.”