11:1  Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

11:2  “ Should not the multitude of words be answered?
And should a man full of talk be vindicated?

11:3  Should your empty talk make men hold their peace?
And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?

11:4  For you have said,
‘My doctrine is pure,
And I am clean in your eyes.’

11:5  But oh, that God would speak,
And open His lips against you,

11:6  That He would show you the secrets of wisdom!
For they would double your prudence.
Know therefore that God exacts from you
Less than your iniquity deserves.

11:7  "Can you search out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

11:8  They are higher than heaven— what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol— what can you know?

11:9  Their measure is longer than the earth
And broader than the sea.

11:10  “If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment,
Then who can hinder Him?

11:11  For He knows deceitful men;
He sees wickedness also.
Will He not then consider it?

11:12  For an empty-headed man will be wise,
When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.

11:13  “If you would prepare your heart,
And stretch out your hands toward Him;

11:14  If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;

11:15  Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;

11:16  Because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,

11:17  And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.

11:18  And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.

11:19  You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid;
Yes, many would court your favor.

11:20  But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
And they shall not escape,
And their hope—loss of life!”