11:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:
11:2 “Should not this1 abundance of words be answered,2
or should this3 talkative man4
be vindicated?5
11:3 Will your idle talk6 reduce people to silence,7
and will no one rebuke8 you when you mock?9
11:4 For you have said, ‘My teaching10 is flawless,
and I am pure in your sight.’
11:5 But O that God would speak,11
that he would open his lips against you,12
11:6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom,
for true wisdom has two sides,13
so that you would know14
that God has forgiven some of your sins.15
11:7 “Can you discover16 the essence17 of God?
Can you find out18
the perfection of the Almighty?19
11:8 It is higher20 than the heavens—what can you do?
It is deeper than Sheol21—what can you know?
11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth,
and broader than the sea.
11:10 If he comes by22 and confines23 you24
and convenes a court,25
then who can prevent26 him?
11:11 For he27 knows deceitful28 men;
when he sees evil, will he not29 consider it?30
11:12 But an empty man will become wise,
when a wild donkey colt is born a human being.31
11:13 “As for you,32 if you prove faithful,33
and if34 you stretch out your hands toward him,35
11:14 if36 iniquity is in your hand—put it far away,37
and do not let evil reside in your tents.
11:15 For38 then you will lift up your face
you will be securely established41
and will not fear.
11:16 For you42 will forget your trouble;43
you will remember it
like water that44 has flowed away.
11:17 And life45 will be brighter46 than the noonday;
though there be darkness,47
it will be like the morning.
11:18 And you will be secure, because there is hope;
you will be protected48
and will take your rest in safety.
11:19 You will lie down with49 no one making you afraid,
and many will seek your favor.50
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked fail,51
and escape52 eludes them;
their hope53 is to breathe their last.”54
Job’s Reply to Zophar55