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¹ Then 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 Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you? ⁴ For you have said, "My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.' ⁵ But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you, ⁶ That 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 They are higher than heaven-- what can you do? Deeper than Sheol-- what can you know? ⁹ Their 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 For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? ¹² For 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 If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; ¹⁵ Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; ¹⁶ Because you would forget your misery, And remember it as waters that have passed away, ¹⁷ And your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like the morning. ¹⁸ And you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety. ¹⁹ You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor. ²⁰ But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope--loss of life!"