1. Then Zophar from Naamah answered Job and said,
2. "This flood of words should be answered! Does all this talking make Job right?
3. Do you think we don't have an answer for you? Do you think no one will warn you when you laugh at God?
4. You say to God, 'My arguments are right, and you can see I am pure.'
5. I wish God would answer you and tell you that you are wrong.
6. He could tell you the secret of wisdom. He would tell you that every story has two sides. You can be sure of this: God is not punishing you as much as he should.
7. "Do you think you really understand God? Do you completely understand God All-Powerful?
8. That knowledge is higher than the heavens and deeper than the place of death. So what can you do? How can you learn it all?
9. It is greater than the earth and bigger than the seas.
10. "If God decides to arrest you and take you to court, no one could stop him.
11. God knows who is worthless. When he sees evil, he remembers it.
12. A wild donkey cannot give birth to a man, and a stupid person will never become wise.
13. Prepare your heart to serve only God. Lift your arms and pray to him.
14. Put away the sin that you still hold on to. Don't keep evil in your tent.
15. If you would do that, you could look to God without shame. You could stand strong and not be afraid.
16. Then you could forget your troubles, like water that has already passed by.
17. Your life would be brighter than the sunshine at noon. Life's darkest hours would shine like the morning sun.
18. Then you would feel safe, because there would be hope. God would care for you and give you rest.
19. You could lie down to rest, and no one would bother you. Many people would come to you for help.
20. Evil people might look for help, but they will not escape their troubles. Their hope leads only to death."