Zophar Rebukes Job

(Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

1Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

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

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

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

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

6And 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.

7Can you by searching find out God? can you find out the Almighty to perfection?

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

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

10If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

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

12For vain men would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.

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

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

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

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

17And your age shall be clearer than the noonday: you shall shine forth, you shall be as the morning.

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

19Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yes, many shall make suit to you.

20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.