| 1Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said: | 1Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said: |
| 2"Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated? | 2"Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated? |
| 3Will your idle talk reduce people to silence, and will no one rebuke you when you mock? | 3Will your idle talk reduce people to silence, and will no one rebuke you when you mock? |
| 4For you have said, 'My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.' | 4For you have said, 'My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.' |
| 5But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you, | 5But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you, |
| 6and 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. | 6and 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? | 7"Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty? |
| 8It is higher than the heavens--what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol--what can you know? | 8It is higher than the heavens--what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol--what can you know? |
| 9Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. | 9Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. |
| 10If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him? | 10If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him? |
| 11For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it? | 11For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it? |
| 12But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey's colt is born a human being. | 12But 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, | 13"As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him, |
| 14if iniquity is in your hand--put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents. | 14if iniquity is in your hand--put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents. |
| 15For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear. | 15For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear. |
| 16For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away. | 16For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away. |
| 17And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning. | 17And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning. |
| 18And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety. | 18And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety. |
| 19You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor. | 19You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor. |
| 20But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last." | 20But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last." |
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