| English Standard Version | New Living Translation |
| 1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: | 1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job: |
| 2“Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? | 2“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? |
| 3Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? | 3Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed? |
| 4For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God’s eyes.’ | 4You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’ |
| 5But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you, | 5If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks! |
| 6and 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. | 6If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve! |
| 7“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? | 7“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? |
| 8It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? | 8Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld — what do you know? |
| 9Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. | 9It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. |
| 10If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? | 10If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him? |
| 11For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? | 11For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins. |
| 12But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man! | 12An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child. |
| 13“If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. | 13“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! |
| 14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. | 14Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. |
| 15Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. | 15Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. |
| 16You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. | 16You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. |
| 17And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. | 17Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. |
| 18And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. | 18Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. |
| 19You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor. | 19You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. |
| 20But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last.” | 20But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.” |
| ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved. | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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