Zophar Urges Job to Repent
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered?
And should [a]a man full of talk be vindicated?
And should [a]a man full of talk be vindicated?
3 Should your empty talk make men [b]hold their peace?
And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?
And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?
4 For you have said,
‘My doctrine is pure,
And I am clean in your eyes.’
‘My doctrine is pure,
And I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But oh, that God would speak,
And open His lips against you,
And open His lips against you,
6 That He would show you the secrets of wisdom!
For they would double your prudence.
Know therefore that God [c]exacts from you
Less than your iniquity deserves.
For they would double your prudence.
Know therefore that God [c]exacts from you
Less than your iniquity deserves.
7 “Can you search out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than heaven — what can you do?
Deeper than [d]Sheol — what can you know?
Deeper than [d]Sheol — what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth
And broader than the sea.
And broader than the sea.
10 “If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment,
Then who can [e]hinder Him?
Then who can [e]hinder Him?
11 For He knows deceitful men;
He sees wickedness also.
Will He not then consider it?
He sees wickedness also.
Will He not then consider it?
12 For an empty-headed man will be wise,
When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.
When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.
13 “If you would prepare your heart,
And stretch out your hands toward Him;
And stretch out your hands toward Him;
14 If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
And would 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;
Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
16 Because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
17 And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
18 And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
19 You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid;
Yes, many would court your favor.
Yes, many would court your favor.
20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
And they shall not escape,
And their hope — [f]loss of life!”
And they shall not escape,
And their hope — [f]loss of life!”