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 if only God would speak,
if only 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’s 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.
11:19 You will lie down with no one to make you afraid,
and many will seek your favor.
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked fail,
and escape eludes them;
their one hope is to breathe their last.”