New Living Translation | New Living Translation |
1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job: | 1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job: |
2“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? | 2“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? |
3Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed? | 3Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed? |
4You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’ | 4You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’ |
5If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks! | 5If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks! |
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! | 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 solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? | 7“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? |
8Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld — what do you know? | 8Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld — what do you know? |
9It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. | 9It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. |
10If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him? | 10If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him? |
11For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins. | 11For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins. |
12An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child. | 12An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child. |
13“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! | 13“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! |
14Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. | 14Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. |
15Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. | 15Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. |
16You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. | 16You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. |
17Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. | 17Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. |
18Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. | 18Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. |
19You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. | 19You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. |
20But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.” | 20But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.” |
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. | 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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