Zophar Urges Job to Repent
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered?
And should a man full of talk be vindicated?
3 Should your empty talk make men hold their peace?
And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?
4 For you have said,
# ‘My doctrineispure,
And I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But oh, that God would speak,
And open His lips against you,
6 That He would show you the secrets of wisdom!
Fortheywoulddoubleyourprudence.
# Know therefore thatGod exacts from you
Lessthan your iniquitydeserves.
7 “Canyou search out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
8 Theyarehigher than heaven— what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol— what can you know?
9 Their measureislonger than the earth
And broader than the sea.
10 “IfHe passes by, imprisons, and gatherstojudgment,
Then who can hinder Him?
11 ForHe knows deceitful men;
He sees wickedness also.
Will He not then considerit?
12 For anempty-headed man will be wise,
When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.
13 “If you wouldprepare your heart,
# Andstretch out your hands toward Him;
14 If iniquitywerein your hand,andyouput it far away,
# Andwould not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
15 Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
16 Because you wouldforgetyourmisery,
And rememberitas watersthathavepassed away,
17 Andyourlifewould be brighter than noonday.
Thoughyou were dark, you would be like the morning.
18 And you would be secure, because there is hope;
# Yes, you would digaroundyou, andtake your rest in safety.
19 You would also lie down, and no one would makeyouafraid;
Yes,many would court your favor.
20 Butthe eyes of the wicked will fail,
And they shall not escape,
# Andtheir hope—loss of life!”