11:1 Then Zophar the Na'amathite answered: |
11:2 "Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be vindicated? |
11:3 Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? |
11:4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes.' |
11:5 But oh, that God would speak, and open his lips to you, |
11:6 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. |
11:7 "Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? |
11:8 It is higher than heaven--what can you do? Deeper than Sheol--what can you know? |
11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. |
11:10 If he passes through, and imprisons, and calls to judgment, who can hinder him? |
11:11 For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? |
11:12 But a stupid man will get understanding, when a wild ass's colt is born a man. |
11:13 "If you set your heart aright, you will stretch out your hands toward him. |
11:14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in your tents. |
11:15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure, and will not fear. |
11:16 You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. |
11:17 And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. |
11:18 And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety. |
11:19 You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will entreat your favor. |
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe |