Job 11
Zophar Speaks: You Deserve Worse
[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
[2] “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
and a man full of talk be judged right?
[3] Should your babble silence men,
and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
[4] For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,
and I am clean in God’s eyes.’
[5] But oh, that God would speak
and open his lips to you,
[6] and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
For he is manifold in understanding.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
[7] “Can you find out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
[8] It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
[9] Its measure is longer than the earth
and broader than the sea.
[10] If he passes through and imprisons
and summons the court, who can turn him back?
[11] For he knows worthless men;
when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
[12] But a stupid man will get understanding
when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!
[13] “If you prepare your heart,
you will stretch out your hands toward him.
[14] If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,
and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
[15] Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;
you will be secure and will not fear.
[16] You will forget your misery;
you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
[17] And your life will be brighter than the noonday;
its darkness will be like the morning.
[18] And you will feel secure, because there is hope;
you will look around and take your rest in security.
[19] You will lie down, and none will make you afraid;
many will court your favor.
[20] But the eyes of the wicked will fail;
all way of escape will be lost to them,
and their hope is to breathe their last.” (ESV)
