Job 11

1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

2Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and should a man of lips be proved right?

3Will your empty talk silence people, and when you mock, will no one shame you?

4For you say, ‘My teaching is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’

5But if only God would speak and open his lips with you,

6and tell you the secrets of wisdom, for sound wisdom is twofold. Know, then, that God exacts from you less than your guilt deserves.

7Can you discover the depths of God? Can you find the limit of the Almighty?

8It is as high as the heavens—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?

9Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.

10If he passes through, shuts someone in, and gathers an assembly, who can turn him back?

11For he knows men of falsehood; when he sees wickedness, does he not take notice?

12But an empty-headed man will gain understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.

13If you prepare your heart and stretch out your hands to him,

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

15For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will stand firm and will not fear.

16For you will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed by.

17And your lifetime will rise brighter than noon; though there is darkness, it will become like the morning.

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

19You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will seek your favor.

20But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and all escape will be lost to them, and their hope will be a last breath.