1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:
2 "Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?
3 Will your idle talk reduce people to silence, and will no one rebuke you when you mock?
4 For you have said, 'My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.'
5 But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you,
6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom -- for true wisdom has two sides -- so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.
7 "Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than the heavens -- what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol -- what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10 If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?
11 For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?
12 But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey's colt is born a human being.
13 "As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him,
14 if iniquity is in your hand -- put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.
15 For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.
16 For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away.
17 And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning.
18 And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety.