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