1Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said:
2Should not he that maketh many words, be answered? Should he that bableth much, be commended therein?
3Should men give ear unto thee only? Thou wilt laugh other men to scorn, and shall nobody mock thee again?
4Wilt thou say unto God: The thing that I take in hand is perfect, and I am clean in thy sight?
5O that God would speak, and open his lips against thee,
6that he might shew thee (out of his secret wisdom) how many fold his law is: then shouldest thou know, that God had forgotten thee, because of thy sins.
7Wilt thou find out God with thy seeking? Wilt thou attain to the perfectness of the Almighty?
8He is higher than heaven, what wilt thou do? Deeper than hell, how wilt thou then know him?
9His length exceedeth the length of the earth, and his breadth the breadth of the sea.
10Though he turn all things upside down, close them in, or thrust them together, who dare check him therefore?
11For it is he that knoweth the vanity of men: he seeth their wickedness also, should he not then consider it?
12A vain body exalteth himself, and the son of man is like a wild ass's foal.
13If thou hadst now a right heart, and liftest up thine hands toward him:
14if thou wouldest put away the wickedness which thou hast in hand, so that no ungodliness dwelt in thy house:
15Then mightest thou lift up thy face without shame, then shouldest thou be sure, and have no need to fear.
16Then shouldest thou forget thy misery, and think no more upon it, than upon the waters that run by.
17Then should thy life be as clear as the noon day, and spring forth as the morning.
18Then mightest thou have comforth, in the hope that thou hast: and sleep quietly, when thou art buried.
19Then shouldest thou take thy rest, and no man to make thee afraid, yea many one should set much by thee.
20As for the eyes of the ungodly, they shall be consumed, and not escape: their hope shall be misery and sorrow of mind.