Chapter 11
1 Then Zophar , the Naamathite , answered ,
2 "Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered ? Should a man full of talk be justified ?
3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace ? When you mock , will no man make you ashamed ?
4 For you say, ‘ My doctrine is pure . I am clean in your eyes .’
5 But oh that God would speak , and open his lips against you ,
6 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.
7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty ?
8 They are high as heaven . What can you do ? They are deeper than Sheol . What can you know ?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea .
10 If he passes by , or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him ?
11 For he knows false men . He sees iniquity also , even though he doesn’t consider it .
12 An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey ’s colt .
13 "If you set your heart aright , stretch out your hands toward him .
14 If iniquity is in your hand , put it far away . Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
15 Surely then you will lift up your face without spot . Yes , you will be steadfast , and will not fear ,
16 for you will forget your misery . You will remember it like waters that have passed away .
17 Life will be clearer than the noonday . Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning .
18 You will be secure, because there is hope . Yes , you will search , and will take your rest in safety.
19 Also you will lie down , and no one will make you afraid . Yes, many will court your favor .
20 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 ."