Round One: Zophar’s Speech
11 Then Zophar the Na’amathite spoke up and responded:
2 Doesn’t this gush of words call for an answer?
Can this man’s bold talk be justified?
3 Should your empty words reduce men to silence?
Can you be allowed to scoff without anyone putting you in your place?
4 You say, “What I teach is untainted,
and I am pure in your eyes.”
5 Oh how I wish that God would speak up,
open his lips against you,
6 and show you the secret of wisdom,
because sound judgment must look at both sides.
Then you would know that God has even forgotten some of your guilt!
7 Can you explore the essence of God?
Can you find a limit to the perfections of the Almighty?
8 They are as high as the heavens. What can you do?
They are deeper than hell.[a] What can you know?
9 His dimensions are greater than the earth
and wider than the sea.
10 If God comes and arrests someone and puts him on trial,
who can overrule him?
11 Certainly he recognizes deceitful men for what they are.
He sees evil, and he recognizes it for what it is.
12 Before an empty-headed man gets understanding,
a wild donkey colt will be born as a man.
13 But you, if you make your heart steadfast,
and you spread out your hands to him,
14 if you put away the sin you are holding in your hand,
and you do not allow injustice to dwell in your tents,
15 then you will lift up your face and be blameless.
You will be solid and fearless.
16 You will certainly forget your trouble.
Your memory of it will be like water that has flowed away.
17 The rest of your life will be brighter than noon.
Darkness will become like morning.
18 You will be confident that there is hope.
When you look around, you will go to bed confidently.
19 You will lie down, and no one will make you tremble.
Many will seek your favor.
20 The eyes of the wicked will fail,
and their place of refuge will disappear.
Their hope will vanish with their dying breath.[b]