1 Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
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2 "Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
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3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?
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4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure, I am clean in your eyes.'
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5 But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against you,
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6 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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7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
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8 They are high as heaven. What can you do? Deeper than Sheol: what can you know?
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9 The measure of it is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.
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10 If he passes by, or confines, Or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
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11 For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.
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12 But vain man can become wise If a man can be born as a wild donkey's colt.
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13 "If you set your heart aright, Stretch out your hands toward him.
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14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
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15 Surely then shall you lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
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16 For you shall forget your misery; You shall remember it as waters that are passed away,
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17 Life shall be clearer than the noonday; Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.
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18 You shall be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.
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19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; Yes, many shall court your favor.
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20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, They shall have no way to flee; Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."
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