New Century Version NCV
The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
1
Next Tzofar the Na'amati spoke up:
2 "Should these words go unanswered? Is this talker in the right?
2
"Shouldn't this torrent of words be answered? Does talking a lot make a person right?
3 Your lies do not make people quiet; people should correct you when you make fun of God.
3
Is your babble supposed to put others to silence? When you mock, is no one to make you ashamed?
4 You say, 'My teachings are right, and I am clean in God's sight.'
4
"You claim that your teaching is pure; you tell [God], 'I am clean in your sight.'
5 I wish God would speak and open his lips against you
5
I wish that God would speak, would open his mouth to answer you,
6 and tell you the secrets of wisdom, because wisdom has two sides. your sin.
6
would tell you the secrets of wisdom, which is worth twice as much as common sense. Understand that God is demanding of you less than your guilt deserves.
7 "Can you understand the secrets of God?
7
"Can you penetrate God's depths? Can you find out Shaddai's limits?
8 His limits are higher than the heavens; you cannot reach them! They are deeper than the grave; you cannot understand them!
8
They're as high as heaven; what can you do? They're deeper than Sh'ol; what can you know?
9 His limits are longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
9
Their extent is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
10 "If God comes along and puts you in prison or calls you into court, no one can stop him.
10
If he passes through, puts in prison and assembles [for judgment], who can prevent him?
11 God knows who is evil, and when he sees evil, he takes note of it.
11
For he knows when people are worthless; so if he sees iniquity, won't he look into it?
12 A fool cannot become wise any more than a wild donkey can be born tame.
12
"An empty man can gain understanding, even if he was born like a wild donkey.
13 "You must give your whole heart to him and hold out your hands to him for help.
13
If you will set your heart right, if you will spread out your hands toward him,
14 Put away the sin that is in your hand; let no evil remain in your tent.
14
if you will put your iniquity at a distance and not let unrighteousness remain in your tents,
15 Then you can lift up your face without shame, and you can stand strong without fear.
15
then when you lift up your face, there will be no defect; you will be firm and free from fear.
16 You will forget your trouble and darkness will seem like morning.
16
"For you will forget your misery; you'll remember it like a flood that passed through long ago;
17 Your life will be as bright as the noonday sun, and darkness will seem like morning.
17
your life will be brighter than noon; even its darkness will be like morning.
18 You will feel safe because there is hope; you will look around and rest in safety.
18
You will be confident, because there is hope; you will look around you and lie down secure;
19 You will lie down, and no one will scare you. Many people will want favors from you.
19
you will rest, and no one will make you afraid. Many will seek your favor;
20 But the wicked will not be able to see, so they will not escape. Their only hope will be to die."
20
but the eyes of the wicked will fail [to find comfort]. They will find no way to escape, and their hope will turn to complete disappointment."
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.