Job 11
Zophar’s First Speech to Job1
11:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:
11:2 “Should not this2 abundance of words be answered,3
or should this4 talkative man5
be vindicated?6
11:3 Will your idle talk7 reduce people to silence,8
and will no one rebuke9 you when you mock?10
11:4 For you have said, ‘My teaching11 is flawless,
and I am pure in your sight.’
11:5 But if only God would speak,12
if only he would open his lips against you,13
11:6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom –
for true wisdom has two sides14 –
so that you would know15
that God has forgiven some of your sins.16
11:7 “Can you discover17 the essence18 of God?
Can you find out19
the perfection of the Almighty?20
11:8 It is higher21 than the heavens – what can you do?
It is deeper than Sheol22 – what can you know?
11:9 Its measure is longer than the earth,
and broader than the sea.
11:10 If he comes by23 and confines24 you25
and convenes a court,26
then who can prevent27 him?
11:11 For he28 knows deceitful29 men;
when he sees evil, will he not30 consider it?31
11:12 But an empty man will become wise,
when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being.32
11:13 “As for you,33 if you prove faithful,34
and if35 you stretch out your hands toward him,36
11:14 if37 iniquity is in your hand – put it far away,38
and do not let evil reside in your tents.
11:15 For39 then you will lift up your face
you will be securely established42
and will not fear.
11:16 For you43 will forget your trouble;44
you will remember it
like water that45 has flowed away.
11:17 And life46 will be brighter47 than the noonday;
though there be darkness,48
it will be like the morning.
11:18 And you will be secure, because there is hope;
you will be protected49
and will take your rest in safety.
11:19 You will lie down with50 no one to make you afraid,
and many will seek your favor.51
11:20 But the eyes of the wicked fail,52
and escape53 eludes them;