Job 11

11:1

Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:

11:2

“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated?

11:3

Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?

11:4

You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’

11:5

But if only God would speak and open His lips against you,

11:6

and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.

11:7

Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?

11:8

They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?

11:9

Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

11:10

If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him?

11:11

Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note?

11:12

But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!

11:13

As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,

11:14

if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents,

11:15

then indeed you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and unafraid.

11:16

For you will forget your misery, recalling it only as waters gone by.

11:17

Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.

11:18

You will be secure, because there is hope, and you will look around and lie down in safety.

11:19

You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor.

11:20

But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath.”