1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified?
3 Should your lies make men hold their peace? And when you mockest, shall no man make you ashamed?
4 For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But oh that God (Eloah) would speak, and open His lips against you;
6 And that He would shew you the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God (Eloah) exacteth of you less than your iniquity deserveth.
7 Canst you by searching find out God (Eloah)? Canst you find out the Almighty unto perfection?
8 It is as high as heaven; what canst you do? Deeper than hell (sheol); what canst you know?
9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10 If He cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder Him?
11 For He knoweth vain men; He seeth wickedness also; will He not then consider it?
12 For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt.
13 If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward Him;
14 If iniquity be in your hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in your tabernacles.
15 For then shalt you lift up your face without spot; yea, you shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear;
16 Because you shalt forget your misery, and remember it as waters that pass away,
17 And your age shall be clearer than the noonday; you shalt shine forth, you shalt be as the morning.
18 And you shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, you shalt dig about you, and you shalt take your rest in safety.
19 Also you shalt lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto you.
20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the spirit!”