1Then Zophar, the Naamathite, responded and said, 2“Should all these words of yours not be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified? 3Should your lies cause men to hold their peace? And when you mock, should no man make you ashamed?

4“For 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, which has two sides! Know, therefore, that God punishes you less than your iniquity deserves. 7Can you, by searching, discover the depths of God? Can you comprehend the perfection of the Almighty? 8It is as high as heaven; what can you do? Deeper than sheol; what can you know? 9The length of it is longer than the earth, and it is broader than the sea. 10If He cuts off, and shuts up, or gathers together, then who can hinder Him? 11For He recognizes vain men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? 12For a stupid man will become wise only when a wild donkey's colt is born like a man.

13“If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward Him; 14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far from you, and let not wickedness dwell in your tents. 15For then you could lift up your face to Him without fault; yes, you shall be steadfast, secure, and without fear, 16Because you shall forget your misery, and remember it as waters that pass away; 17And your life shall be clearer than the noonday. You shall be as the morning. 18And you shall be secure, because there is hope; yea, you shall look about you, and you shall rest in safety. 19Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yes, many shall seek your favor. 20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape God’s justice, and their hope shall be as one dying (giving up of the ghost).”