1Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said:

2Shall not the multitude of words receive an answer? Shall the man of words be justified?

3Shall thy boastings make men hold their peace? Shalt thou mock, and none put thee to shame?

4Thou sayest, My speech is pure; I am clean in thine eyes, [[O God!]]

5But O that God would speak, And open his lips against thee;

6That he would show thee the secrets of his wisdom,—His wisdom, which is unsearchable! Then shouldst thou know that God forgiveth thee many of thine iniquities.

7Canst thou search out the deep things of God? Canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?

8'Tis high as heaven, what canst thou do? Deeper than hell, what canst thou know?

9The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.

10If he apprehend, and bind, and bring to trial, Who shall oppose him?

11For he knoweth the unrighteous; He seeth iniquity, when they do not observe it.

12But vain man is without understanding; Yea, man is born a wild ass's colt.

13If thou direct thy heart, And stretch out thy hands, toward him;

14If thou put away iniquity from thy hand, And let not wickedness dwell in thy habitation,—

15Then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; Yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and have no fear.

16For thou shalt forget thy misery, Or remember it as waters that have passed away.

17Thy life shall be brighter than the noon-day; Now thou art in darkness, thou shalt then be as morning.

18Thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; Now thou art disappointed, thou shalt then rest in safety.

19Thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; And many shall make suit unto thee.

20But the eyes of the wicked shall be wearied out; They shall find no refuge; Their hope is—the breathing forth of life.