1. Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2. “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,and a man full of talk be judged right?
3. Should your babble silence men,and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4. For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,and I am clean in God’s eyes.’
5. But oh, that God would speakand open his lips to you,
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.
7. “Can you find out the deep things of God?Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8. It is higher than heaven—what can you do?Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9. Its measure is longer than the earthand broader than the sea.
10. If he passes through and imprisonsand summons the court, who can turn him back?
11. For he knows worthless men;when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
12. But a stupid man will get understandingwhen a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!
13. “If you prepare your heart,you will stretch out your hands toward him.
14. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
15. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;you will be secure and will not fear.