1   Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

2   Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should ^note a man full of talk be justified?

3   Should thy ^note falsehoods make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

4   For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thy eyes.

5   But Oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

6   And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thy iniquity deserveth.

7   Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?

8   It is ^note as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than ^note hell; what canst thou know?

9   The measure of it is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10   If he ^note shall cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then ^note who can hinder him?

11   For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it?

12   For ^note vain man would be wise, though man is born like a wild ass's colt.

13   If thou preparest thy heart, and stretchest out thy hands towards him;

14   If iniquity is in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

15   For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yes, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

16   Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:

17   And thy age ^note shall be clearer than the noonday: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

18   And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yes, thou shalt dig about thee, and ^note thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

19   Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yes, many shall ^note make suit to thee.

20   But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and ^note they shall not escape, and ^note their hope shall be as ^note the expiration of the breath.

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