Dual PanelZophar Speaks to Job
1Then Zophar from Naamah answered Job and said,
2“This flood of words should be answered! Does all this talking make Job right?
3Do you think we don’t have an answer for you? Do you think no one will warn you when you laugh at God?
4You say to God, ‘My arguments are right, and you can see I am pure.’
5I wish God would answer you and tell you that you are wrong.
6He could tell you the secret of wisdom. He would tell you that every story has two sides. You can be sure of this: God is not punishing you as much as he should.
7“Do you think you really understand God? Do you completely understand God All-Powerful?
8That knowledge is higher than the heavens and deeper than the place of death. So what can you do? How can you learn it all?
9It is greater than the earth and bigger than the seas.
10“If God decides to arrest you and take you to court, no one could stop him.
11God knows who is worthless. When he sees evil, he remembers it.
12A wild donkey cannot give birth to a man, and a stupid person will never become wise.
13Prepare your heart to serve only God. Lift your arms and pray to him.
14Put away the sin that you still hold on to. Don’t keep evil in your tent.
15If you will do that, you can look to God without shame. You can stand strong and not be afraid.
16Then you can forget your troubles, like water that has already passed by.
17Your life will be brighter than the sunshine at noon. Life’s darkest hours will shine like the morning sun.
18You will feel safe because there is hope. God will protect you and give you rest.
19You will lie down without fear of anyone. Many people will come to you for help.
20Evil people might look for help, but they will not escape their troubles. Their hope leads only to death.”