1 GLT Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said, BSB BSB: Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2 GLT “Should not such a multitude of words be answered? Should this man, so full of talk, be believed? BSB BSB: “Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated?
3 GLT Should your boasting make others remain silent? When you mock, will no one make you feel ashamed? BSB BSB: Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?
4 GLT For you say to God,‘My beliefs are pure, I am blameless in your eyes.’ BSB BSB: You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’
5 GLT But, oh, that God would speak and open his lips against you; BSB BSB: But if only God would speak and open His lips against you,
6 GLT that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For he is great in understanding. Know then that God demands from you less than your iniquity deserves. BSB BSB: and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.
7 GLT Can you understand God by searching for him? Can you comprehend the Almighty perfectly? BSB BSB: Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?
8 GLT The matter is as high as heaven; what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol; what can you know? BSB BSB: They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9 GLT Its measure is longer than the earth, and wider than the sea. BSB BSB: Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
10 GLT If he passes through and shuts anyone up, if he calls anyone to judgment, then who can stop him? BSB BSB: If He comes along to imprison you, or convenes a court, who can stop Him?
11 GLT For he knows false people; when he sees iniquity, does he not notice it? BSB BSB: Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note?
12 GLT But foolish people have no understanding; they will get it when a wild donkey gives birth to a man. BSB BSB: But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!
13 GLT But suppose that you had set your heart right and had reached out with your hands toward God; BSB BSB: As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,
14 GLT suppose that iniquity were in your hand, but that then you put it far away from you, and did not let unrighteousness live in your tents. BSB BSB: if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents,
15 GLT Then you would certainly lift up your face without a sign of shame; indeed, you would be steadfast and would not fear. BSB BSB: then indeed you will lift up your face without blemish; you will stand firm and unafraid.
16 GLT You would forget your misery; you would remember it only like waters that have flowed away. BSB BSB: For you will forget your misery, recalling it only as waters gone by.
17 GLT Your life would be brighter than the noonday; though there were darkness, it would become like the morning. BSB BSB: Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.
18 GLT You would be secure because there is hope; indeed, you would find safety about you and would take your rest in safety. BSB BSB: You will be secure, because there is hope, and you will look around and lie down in safety.
19 GLT Also you would lie down in rest, and none would make you afraid; indeed, many would seek your favor. BSB BSB: You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor.
20 GLT But the eyes of wicked people will fail; they will have no way to flee; their only hope will be a last gasp of life.” BSB BSB: But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; they will hope for their last breath.”
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.