The Book of Job

Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said,

“Should not such a multitude of words be answered? Should this man, so full of talk, be believed?

Should your boasting make others remain silent? When you mock our teaching, will no one make you feel ashamed?

For you say to God, ’My beliefs are pure, I am blameless in your eyes.’

But, oh, that God would speak and open his lips against you;

that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For he is great in understanding. Know then that God demands from you less than your iniquity deserves.

Can you understand God by searching for him? Can you comprehend the Almighty perfectly?

The matter is as high as heaven; what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol; what can you know?

Its measure is longer than the earth, and wider than the sea.

If he passes through and shuts anyone up, if he calls anyone to judgment, then who can stop him?

For he knows false people; when he sees iniquity, does he not notice it?

But foolish people have no understanding; they will get it when a wild donkey gives birth to a man.

But suppose that you had set your heart right and had reached out with your hands toward God;

suppose that iniquity were in your hand, but that then you put it far away from you, and did not let unrighteousness live in your tents.

Then you would certainly lift up your face without a sign of shame; indeed, you would be steadfast and would not fear.

You would forget your misery; you would remember it only like waters that have flowed away.

Your life would be brighter than the noonday; though there were darkness, it would become like the morning.

You would be secure because there is hope; indeed, you would find safety about you and would take your rest in safety.

Also you would lie down in rest, and none would make you afraid; indeed, many would seek your favor.

But the eyes of wicked people will fail; they will have no way to flee; their only hope will be a last gasp of life.”

Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?

Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?

For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,

that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol.(a) What can you know?

Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?

For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.

An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.

“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.

If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear,

for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.

Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.

You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.

Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor.

But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”

(a)11:8 Sheol is the place of the dead.