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Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
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“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
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Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?
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For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’
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But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
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that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
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“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
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They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?
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Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
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If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
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For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.
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An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
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“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.
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If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
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Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear,
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for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.
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Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.
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You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.
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Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favor.
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But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”
Bible: World English Bible (Catholic), public domain, via eBible.org. Footnotes, section headings and acrostic letters are not reproduced.