Zophar Speaks to Job
11 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
2 “All these words should not go without an answer.
Is this talker to be judged as right?
3 Your talk should not make people be quiet.
People should shame you when you make fun of God.
4 You say to God, ‘My teachings are right.
And I am clean in God’s sight.’
5 I wish God would speak.
I wish he would open his lips to speak against you.
6 I wish he would tell you the secrets of wisdom.
This is because wisdom has two sides.
Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.
7 “Can you understand the secrets of God?
Can you search the limits of the God All-Powerful?
8 God’s limits are higher than the heavens. You cannot reach them!
They are deeper than where the dead are. You cannot know them!
9 His limits are longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.
10 “God might come along and put you in prison.
If he calls you into court, no one can stop him.
11 God knows which men are evil.
And when he sees evil, he notices it.
12 A stupid person cannot become wise.
That is as impossible as a wild donkey being born tame.
13 “You must give your whole heart to him.
You must hold out your hands to him for help.
14 Put away the sin that is in your hand.
Let no evil live in your tent.
15 Then you can lift up your face without shame.
You can stand strong without fear.
16 You will forget your trouble.
You will remember your troubles only as water that has passed by.
17 Your life will be as bright as the noonday sun.
And darkness will seem like morning.
18 You will feel safe because there is hope.
You will look around and rest in safety.
19 You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid.
Many people will want favor from you.
20 But the wicked people will not be able to see.
So they will not be able to find the way to escape.
Their only hope will be to die.”