1Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:

2“Should not this abundance of words be answered,
or should this talkative man
be vindicated?

3Will your idle talk reduce people to silence,
and will no one rebuke you when you mock?

4For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless,
and I am pure in your sight.’

5But if only God would speak,
if only he would open his lips against you,

6and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom –
for true wisdom has two sides –
so that you would know
that God has forgiven some of your sins.

7“Can you discover the essence of God?
Can you find out
the perfection of the Almighty?

8It is higher than the heavens – what can you do?
It is deeper than Sheol – what can you know?

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

10If he comes by and confines you
and convenes a court,
then who can prevent him?

11For he knows deceitful men;
when he sees evil, will he not consider it?

12But an empty man will become wise,
when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being.

13“As for you, if you prove faithful,
and if you stretch out your hands toward him,

14if iniquity is in your hand – put it far away,
and do not let evil reside in your tents.

15For then you will lift up your face
without blemish;
you will be securely established
and will not fear.

16For you will forget your trouble;
you will remember it
like water that has flowed away.

17And life will be brighter than the noonday;
though there be darkness,
it will be like the morning.

18And you will be secure, because there is hope;
you will be protected
and will take your rest in safety.

19You will lie down with no one to make you afraid,
and many will seek your favor.

20But the eyes of the wicked fail,
and escape eludes them;
their one hope is to breathe their last.”