NETtext - Job - 11

11:1  Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:

11:2  "Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?

11:3  Will your idle talk reduce people to silence, and will no one rebuke you when you mock?

11:4  For you have said, 'My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.'

11:5  But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you,

11:6  and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom - for true wisdom has two sides - so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.

11:7  "Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty?

11:8  It is higher than the heavens - what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol - what can you know?

11:9  Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

11:10  If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?

11:11  For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?

11:12  But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey's colt is born a human being.

11:13  "As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him,

11:14  if iniquity is in your hand - put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.

11:15  For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.

11:16  For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away.

11:17  And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning.

11:18  And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety.

11:19  You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor.

11:20  But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last."