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. ⁵What 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.”