1Then Zophar, the Naamathite, responded,
2"Shouldn't all these words be answered? Should a talkative man be proven right?
3Should your boasting silence people? When you make fun of others, shouldn't someone make you feel ashamed?
4Because you say, 'My teaching is pure. I am clean in your eyes.'
5But if only God would speak and argue against you,
6so he could show you the hidden wisdom! True wisdom is complex. Understand that God is punishing you less than your sins deserve.
7"Can you understand the depths of God? Or can you discover the full extent of the Almighty?
8His ways are as high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than the grave. What can you know?
9His power is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
10If he passes by, or locks someone up, or calls a court into session, who can stop him?
11He knows deceitful people. He sees evil, even if he doesn't seem to pay attention to it.
12A foolish person will become wise only when a wild donkey's colt is born human.
13"If you set your heart right, reach out your hands to him.
14If you have sin in your hands, get rid of it. Don't let evil stay in your home.
15Then you will be able to look up without disgrace; you will be firm and have no fear.
16Indeed, you will forget your troubles. You will remember them only like water that has flowed away.
17Life will be brighter than the midday sun. Even if there is darkness, it will become like the morning.
18You will be secure because there is hope. Yes, you will search and safely rest.
19Also, you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Indeed, many people will seek your favor.
20But the wicked will lose their sight. They will have no escape. Their only hope is to die."