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[1] Then Sophar the Naamathite answered, and said:
[2] Shall not he that speaketh much, hear also? or shall a man full of talk be justified?
[3] Shall men hold their peace to thee only? and when thou hast mocked others, shall no man confute thee?
[4] For thou hast said: My word is pure, and I am clean in thy sight.
[5] And I wish that God would speak with thee, and would open his lips to thee,
[6] That he might shew thee the secrets of wisdom, and that his law is manifold, and thou mightest understand that he exacteth much less of thee, than thy iniquity deserveth.
[7] Peradventure thou wilt comprehend the steps of God, and wilt find out the Almighty perfectly?
[8] He is higher than heaven, and what wilt thou do ? he is deeper than hell, and how wilt thou know?
[9] The measure of him is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
[10] If he shall overturn all things, or shall press them together, who shall contradict him?
[11] For he knoweth the vanity of men, and when he seeth iniquity, doth he not consider it?
[12] A vain man is lifted up into pride, and thinketh himself born free like a wild ass's colt.
[13] Rut thou hast hardened thy heart, and hast spread thy hands to him.
[14] If thou wilt put away from thee the iniquity that is in thy hand, and lot not injustice remain in thy tabernacle:
[15] Then mayst thou lift up thy face without spot, and thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear.
[16] Thou shalt also forget misery, and remember it only as waters that are passed away.
[17] And brightness like that of the noonday, shall arise to thee at evening: and when thou shalt think thyself consumed, thou shalt rise as the day star.
[18] And thou shalt have confidence, hope being set before thee, and being buried thou shalt sleep secure.
[19] Thou shalt rest, and there shall be none to make thee afraid: and many shall entreat thy face.
[20] But the eyes of the wicked shall decay, and the way to escape shall fail them, and their hope the abomination of the soul.
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