Zophar Rebukes Job

(Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

1Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

2Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?

3Should thy falsehoods make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

4For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thy eyes.

5But Oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

6And that he would show thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thy iniquity deserveth.

7Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?

8It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?

9The measure of it is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10If he shall cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

11For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it?

12For vain man would be wise, though man is born like a wild ass's colt.

13If thou preparest thy heart, and stretchest out thy hands towards him;

14If iniquity is in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

15For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yes, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:

16Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:

17And thy age shall be clearer than the noon-day: thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

18And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yes, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

19Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yes, many shall make suit to thee.

20But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the expiration of the breath.