1 ¶ Then Zophar the Naamathite replied, saying,

2 Shouldn’t this flood of words be answered? or is a man justified by his talking?

3 Should your empty talk cause men to be silent? and when you mock, 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 would speak, and open his lips against you;

6 And that he would show you the secrets of wisdom, that wisdom is twofold! Know therefore that God is exacting from you less than your iniquity deserves.

7 ¶ Can you by searching fathom the depths of God? can you gain a perfect knowledge of the Almighty?

8 He is higher than heaven; what can you do? deeper than the grave; what can you know?

9 He is greater than the earth, and wider than the sea.

10 If he passes by, and imprisons, or calls to judgement, then who can stop him?

11 For he knows the worthlessness of men: he also sees their wickedness; will he not then consider it?

12 For foolish man would be wise, even though man is born in the same way as a wild donkey’s colt.

13 ¶ If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him;

14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness dwell in your tents.

15 For then you can lift up your face without stain; yes, you will be secure, and shall not fear:

16 Because you will forget your misery, and remember it like water that has flowed on:

17 And your life will be brighter than noonday; it will shine forth as the morning.

18 And you will be secure, because there is hope; yea, you will look around you, and will rest in safety.

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

20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and they will not escape, and their hope will be as a dying breath.