Job - Chapter 11

Zophar rebukes Job

¹ Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:

² "Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated?

³ Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?

⁴ For you have said, 'My doctrine [is] pure, And I am clean in your eyes.'

⁵ But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you,

⁶ That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For [they would] double [your] prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you [Less] than your iniquity [deserves.]

⁷ "Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

⁸ [They are] higher than heaven -- what can you do? Deeper than Sheol -- what can you know?

⁹ Their measure [is] longer than the earth And broader than the sea.

¹⁰ "If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers [to judgment,] Then who can hinder Him?

¹¹ For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider [it?]

¹² For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey's colt is born a man.

¹³ "If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him;

¹⁴ If iniquity [were] in your hand, [and you] put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;

¹⁵ Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;

¹⁶ Because you would forget [your] misery, And remember [it] as waters [that have] passed away,

¹⁷ And [your] life would be brighter than noonday. [Though] you were dark, you would be like the morning.

¹⁸ And you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig [around you, and] take your rest in safety.

¹⁹ You would also lie down, and no one would make [you] afraid; [Yes,] many would court your favor.

²⁰ But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope -- loss of life!"