Job 11
Chapter 11
Zophar’s First Response to Job
1 Then 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?3 Should I remain silent while you babble on?
When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?4 You claim, ‘My beliefs are pure,’
and ‘I am clean in the sight of God.’5 If only God would speak;
if only he would tell you what he thinks!6 If 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?8 Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—
and who are you?
It is deeper than the underworldt—
what do you know?9 It is broader than the earth
and wider than the sea.10 If God comes and puts a person in prison
or calls the court to order, who can stop him?11 For he knows those who are false,
and he takes note of all their sins.12 An empty-headed person won’t become wise
any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.t13 “If only you would prepare your heart
and lift up your hands to him in prayer!14 Get rid of your sins,
and leave all iniquity behind you.15 Then your face will brighten with innocence.
You will be strong and free of fear.16 You will forget your misery;
it will be like water flowing away.17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday.
Even darkness will be as bright as morning.18 Having hope will give you courage.
You will be protected and will rest in safety.19 You will lie down unafraid,
and many will look to you for help.20 But the wicked will be blinded.
They will have no escape.
Their only hope is death.”
JOB 11
Zophar's First Speech
So Much Foolish Talk
1 Zophar from Naamaht said:
2 So much foolish talk
cannot go unanswered.
3 Your words have silenced others
and made them ashamed;
now it is only right for you
to be put to shame.
4 You claim to be innocent
and argue that your beliefs
are acceptable to God.
5 But I wish God would speak
6 and let you know that wisdom
has many different sides.
You would then discover
that God has punished you
less than you deserve.
7 Can you understand the mysteries
surrounding God All-Powerful?
8 They are higher than the heavens
and deeper than the grave.
So what can you do
when you know so little,
9 and these mysteries outreach
the earth and the ocean?
10 If God puts you in prison
or drags you to court,
what can you do?
11 God has the wisdom to know
when someone is worthless
and sinful,
12 but it's easier to tame
a wild donkey
than to make a fool wise.tSurrender Your Heart //to God
13 Surrender your heart to God,
turn to him in prayer,
14 and give up your sins—
even those you do in secret.
15 Then you won't be ashamed;
you will be confident
and fearless.
16 Your troubles will go away
like water beneath a bridge,
17 and your darkest night
will be brighter than noon.
18 You will rest safe and secure,
filled with hope
and emptied of worry.
19 You will sleep without fear
and be greatly respected.
20 But those who are evil
will go blind and lose their way.
Their only escape is death!
