Berean Study Bible | Berean Study Bible |
1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: | 1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: |
2“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? | 2“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? |
3Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke? | 3Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke? |
4You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ | 4You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ |
5But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, | 5But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, |
6and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. | 6and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. |
7Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? | 7Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? |
8They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? | 8They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? |
9Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. | 9Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. |
10If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him? | 10If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him? |
11Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note? | 11Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note? |
12But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man! | 12But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man! |
13As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, | 13As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, |
14if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents, | 14if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents, |
15then indeed you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and unafraid. | 15then indeed you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and unafraid. |
16For you will forget your misery, recalling it only as waters gone by. | 16For you will forget your misery, recalling it only as waters gone by. |
17Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. | 17Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. |
18You will be secure, because there is hope, and you will look around and lie down in safety. | 18You will be secure, because there is hope, and you will look around and lie down in safety. |
19You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor. | 19You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor. |
20But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath.” | 20But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath.” |
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