Zophar’s First Speech to Job

11:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:

11:2 “Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?

11:3 Will your idle talk reduce people to silence, and will no one rebuke you when you mock?

11:4 For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.’

11:5 But O that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you,

11:6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides, so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.

11:7 “Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty?

11:8 It is higher than the heavens — what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol — what can you know?

11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

11:10 If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?

11:11 For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?

11:12 But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey colt is born a human being.

11:13 “As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him,

11:14 if iniquity is in your hand — put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.

11:15 For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.

11:16 For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away.

11:17 And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning.

11:18 And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety.