1Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
2Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
3Should thy falsehoods make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
4For thou hast said, My doctrine [is] pure, and I am clean in thy eyes.
5But Oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;
6And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom, that [they are] double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee [less] than thy iniquity [deserveth].
7Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?
8[It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?
9The measure of it [is] longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10If he shall cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?
11For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider [it]?
12For vain man would be wise, though man is born [like] a wild ass's colt.
13If thou preparest thy heart, and stretchest out thy hands towards him;
14If iniquity [is] in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
15For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yes, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:
16Because thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:
17And [thy] age shall be clearer than the noon-day: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.
18And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yes, thou shalt dig [about thee], [and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.
19Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yes, many shall make suit to thee.
20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope [shall be as] the expiration of the breath.