1Then answered Zophar the Naamathite , and said , 2Should not the multitude of words be answered ? and should a man full of talk be justified ? 3Should thy lies make men hold their peace ? and when thou mockest , shall no man make thee ashamed ? 4For thou hast said , My doctrine is pure , and I am clean in thine eyes . 5But oh that God would speak , and open his lips against thee; 6And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom , that they are double to that which is ! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth .
The Nature of God’s Wisdom
7Canst thou by searching find out God ? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? 8It is as high as heaven ; what canst thou do ? deeper than hell ; what canst thou know ? 9The measure thereof is longer than the earth , and broader than the sea . 10If he cut off , and shut up , or gather together , then who can hinder him? 11For he knoweth vain men : he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it ? 12For vain man would be wise , though man be born like a wild ass’s colt .
The Promise of Restoration
13If thou prepare thine heart , and stretch out thine hands toward him; 14If iniquity be in thine hand , put it far away , and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles . 15For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot ; yea, thou shalt be stedfast , and shalt not fear : 16Because thou shalt forget thy misery , and remember it as waters that pass away : 17And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday ; thou shalt shine forth , thou shalt be as the morning . 18And thou shalt be secure , because there is hope ; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety . 19Also thou shalt lie down , and none shall make thee afraid ; yea, many shall make suit unto thee . 20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail , and they shall not escape , and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost .