11:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:

11:2 "Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated?

11:3 Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock?

11:4 You say to God, 'My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.'

11:5 Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you

11:6 and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.

11:7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

11:8 They are higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can you know?

11:9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

11:10 "If he comes along and confines you in prison and convenes a court, who can oppose him?

11:11 Surely he recognizes deceitful men; and when he sees evil, does he not take note?

11:12 But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey's colt can be born a man.

11:13 "Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him,

11:14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,

11:15 then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.

11:16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.

11:17 Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.

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

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

11:20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp."