| New King James Version | English Standard Version |
| 1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: | 1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: |
| 2“Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated? | 2“Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? |
| 3Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you? | 3Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you? |
| 4For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.’ | 4For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God’s eyes.’ |
| 5But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you, | 5But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you, |
| 6That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves. | 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. |
| 7“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? | 7“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? |
| 8They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? | 8It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? |
| 9Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. | 9Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. |
| 10“If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him? | 10If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back? |
| 11For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? | 11For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? |
| 12For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man. | 12But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man! |
| 13“If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him; | 13“If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. |
| 14If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; | 14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. |
| 15Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; | 15Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. |
| 16Because you would forget your misery, And remember it as waters that have passed away, | 16You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. |
| 17And your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like the morning. | 17And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. |
| 18And you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety. | 18And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. |
| 19You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor. | 19You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor. |
| 20But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope— loss of life!” | 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.” |
| The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | 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. |
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