NET Bible

Zophar’s First Speech to Job1

^11:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:

^11:2 “Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated? ^11:3 Should people remain silent at your idle talk, and should no one rebuke you when you mock? ^11:4 For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.’ ^11:5 But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you ^11:6 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. ^11:7 “Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty? ^11:8 It is higher than the heavens—what can you do? It is 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 comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him? ^11:11 For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it? ^11:12 But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being. ^11:13 “As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him, ^11:14 if iniquity is in your hand—put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents. ^11:15 For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear. ^11:16 For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away. ^11:17 And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning. ^11:18 And you will be secure because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety. ^11:19 You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor. ^11:20 But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last.”