Job 11

Zophar’s First Response to Job ¹Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job:

²“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? ³ Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed? ⁴ You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’ ⁵ If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks! ⁶ If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!

⁷“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? ⁸ Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld Hebrew than Sheol.— what do you know? ⁹ It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. ¹⁰ If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him? ¹¹ For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins. ¹² An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child. Or than a wild male donkey can bear a tame colt.

¹³“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! ¹⁴ Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. ¹⁵ Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. ¹⁶ You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. ¹⁷ Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. ¹⁸ Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. ¹⁹ You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. ²⁰ But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”