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?

³Should I remain silent while you babble on?

When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?

⁴You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’

and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’

⁵If only God would speak;

if only he would tell you what he thinks!

⁶If 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?

⁸Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—

and who are you?

It is deeper than the underworld^a—

what do you know?

⁹It is broader than the earth

and wider than the sea.

¹⁰If God comes and puts a person in prison

or calls the court to order, who can stop him?

¹¹For he knows those who are false,

and he takes note of all their sins.

¹²An empty-headed person won’t become wise

any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.^b

¹³“If only you would prepare your heart

and lift up your hands to him in prayer!

¹⁴Get rid of your sins,

and leave all iniquity behind you.

¹⁵Then your face will brighten with innocence.

You will be strong and free of fear.

¹⁶You will forget your misery;

it will be like water flowing away.

¹⁷Your life will be brighter than the noonday.

Even darkness will be as bright as morning.

¹⁸Having hope will give you courage.

You will be protected and will rest in safety.

¹⁹You will lie down unafraid,

and many will look to you for help.

²⁰But the wicked will be blinded.

They will have no escape.

Their only hope is death.”