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Job 11

Zophar’s First Response to Job

¹Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job:

²“Shouldn’t someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking?

³Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?

⁴You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’ and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’

⁵If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks!

⁶If 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!

⁷“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?

⁸Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld— what do you know?

⁹It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea.

¹⁰If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him?

¹¹For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins.

¹²An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.

¹³“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!

¹⁴Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.

¹⁵Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.

¹⁶You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.

¹⁷Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning.

¹⁸Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.

¹⁹You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.

²⁰But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.”

Job 11 (NLT)

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Job

Chapter 11

11 of 42