1.9 KiB
Zophar's First Response to Job
Chapter 11
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Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job:
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"Shouldn't someone answer this torrent of words?
Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking?
- Should I remain silent while you babble on?
When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed?
- You claim, 'My beliefs are pure,'
and 'I am clean in the sight of God.'
- If only God would speak;
if only he would tell you what he thinks!
- If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom,
for true wisdom is not a simple matter.
Listen! God is doubtless punishing you
far less than you deserve!
- "Can you solve the mysteries of God?
Can you discover everything about the Almighty?
- Such knowledge is higher than the heavens--
and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld--
what do you know?
- It is broader than the earth
and wider than the sea.
- If God comes and puts a person in prison
or calls the court to order, who can stop him?
- For he knows those who are false,
and he takes note of all their sins.
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An empty-headed person won't become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.
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"If only you would prepare your heart
and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
- Get rid of your sins,
and leave all iniquity behind you.
- Then your face will brighten with innocence.
You will be strong and free of fear.
- You will forget your misery;
it will be like water flowing away.
- Your life will be brighter than the noonday.
Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
- Having hope will give you courage.
You will be protected and will rest in safety.
- You will lie down unafraid,
and many will look to you for help.
- But the wicked will be blinded.
They will have no escape.
Their only hope is death."