1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?

3 Should your lies make men hold their peace? and when you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?

4 For you have said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.

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

6 And that he would show you the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

7 Can you by searching find out God? can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

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

9 The measure of it is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10 If he cuts off, and shuts up, or gathers together, then who can hinder him?

11 For he knows vain men: he sees wickedness also; will he not then consider it?

12 For a vain man will be wise, when a man is born a wild donkey’s colt.

13 If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him;

14 If iniquity be in your hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in your tents.

15 For then shall you lift up your face without spot; yea, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:

16 Because you shall forget your misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:

17 And your life shall be brighter than the noonday; you shall shine forth, you shall be as the morning.

18 And you shall be secure, because there is hope; yea, you shall dig about you, and take your rest in safety.

19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yea, many shall entreat your favor.

20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as one dying.