Dual Panel1THEN ZOPHAR the Naamathite replied,
2Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk [and making such great professions] be pronounced free from guilt {or} blame?
3Should your boastings {and} babble make men keep silent? And when you mock {and} scoff, shall no man make you ashamed?
4For you have said, My doctrine [that God afflicts the righteous knowingly] is pure, and I am clean in [God's] eyes.
5But oh, that God would speak, and open His lips against you,
6And that He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For He is manifold in understanding! Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your guilt {and} iniquity [deserve].
7Can you find out the deep things of God, or can you by searching find out the limits of the Almighty [explore His depths, ascend to His heights, extend to His breadths, and comprehend His infinite perfection]?
8His wisdom is as high as the heights of heaven! What can you do? It is deeper than Sheol (the place of the dead)! What can you know?
9Longer in measure [and scope] is it than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10If [God] sweeps in and arrests and calls into judgment, who can hinder Him? [If He is against a man, who shall call Him to account for it?]
11For He recognizes {and} knows hollow, wicked, {and} useless men (men of falsehood); when He sees iniquity, will He not consider it?
12But a stupid man will get wisdom [only] when a wild donkey's colt is born a man [as when he thinks himself free because he is lifted up in pride].
13If you set your heart aright and stretch out your hands to [God],
14If you put sin out of your hand {and} far away from you and let not evil dwell in your tents;
15Then can you lift up your face to Him without stain [of sin, and unashamed]; yes, you shall be steadfast {and} secure; you shall not fear.
16For you shall forget your misery; you shall remember it as waters that pass away.
17And [your] life shall be clearer than the noonday {and} rise above it; though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning.
18And you shall be secure {and} feel confident because there is hope; yes, you shall search about you, and you shall take your rest in safety.
19You shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yes, many shall sue for your favor.
20But the eyes of the wicked shall look [for relief] in vain, and they shall not escape [the justice of God]; and their hope shall be to give up the ghost.