Zophar Rebukes Job

(Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

1Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

2"Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?

3Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?

4For you say, 'My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.'

5But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,

6that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

7"Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

8They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?

9Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?

11For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.

12An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt.

13"If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.

14If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

15Surely then you shall lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:

16for you shall forget your misery. You shall remember it as waters that are passed away.

17Life shall be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.

18You shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.

19Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall court your favor.

20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail. They shall have no way to flee. Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."