[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
[2] “Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right?
[3] “Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
[4] “For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God’s eyes.’
[5] “But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you,
[6] “and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
[7] “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
[8] “It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
[9] “Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
[10] “If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back?
[11] “For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
[12] “But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!
[13] “If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him.
[14] “If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
[15] “Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear.
[16] “You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
[17] “And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.
[18] “And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.
[19] “You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor.
[20] “But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last.”