1 THEN answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

2 The LORD does not answer because of the multitude of words, neither can a fluent speaker be justified by his discourse.

3 Behold, at your words, only the dead can hold their peace; for when you speak, there is no one to stop you; and when you mock, there is no one to rebuke you.

4 For you say, I was led righteously, and I am pure in my sight.

5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you;

6 And that he would show you the secrets of wisdom, for wisdom has inner chambers; then you would know that God would forgive your sins.

7 Can you understand the deep things of God? Or can you stand at the outer boundary of the Almighty?

8 Do you know the height of the heaven? Or the depth of Sheol? How can you know?

9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10 If he should pass by, and besiege, or should cause men to die, who could hinder him?

11 For it is he who knows the beginning of time; and sees wickedness, and considers it.

12 For a pure man inspires courage, and a mighty man helps others.

13 If you make your heart right, and stretch out your hands toward him;

14 If iniquity should be in your hands, he would put it far away, and not let wickedness dwell in your tabernacle.

15 For then you will be courageous; yea, you will not be afraid of distress.

16 Because you shall forget your misery, and you shall be led like running water;

17 And the pit will be clearer than the noonday, and the thick darkness will be like the morning.

18 Then you will have confidence because there is hope; yea, you lie down and take your rest in safety:

19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yea, many shall seek to see your face.

20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and their strength shall vanish away together with the hope of their souls.