< Job 11 >

1 Respondens autem Sophar Naamathites, dixit:
Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
2 Numquid qui multa loquitur, non et audiet? aut vir verbosus justificabitur?
“Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?
3 Tibi soli tacebunt homines? et cum ceteros irriseris, a nullo confutaberis?
Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?
4 Dixisti enim: Purus est sermo meus, et mundus sum in conspectu tuo.
For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’
5 Atque utinam Deus loqueretur tecum, et aperiret labia sua tibi,
But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
6 ut ostenderet tibi secreta sapientiæ, et quod multiplex esset lex ejus: et intelligeres quod multo minora exigaris ab eo quam meretur iniquitas tua!
that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.
7 Forsitan vestigia Dei comprehendes, et usque ad perfectum Omnipotentem reperies?
“Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 Excelsior cælo est, et quid facies? profundior inferno, et unde cognosces? (Sheol h7585)
They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know? (Sheol h7585)
9 Longior terra mensura ejus, et latior mari.
Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10 Si subverterit omnia, vel in unum coarctaverit, quis contradicet ei?
If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
11 Ipse enim novit hominum vanitatem; et videns iniquitatem, nonne considerat?
For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.
12 Vir vanus in superbiam erigitur, et tamquam pullum onagri se liberum natum putat.
An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
13 Tu autem firmasti cor tuum, et expandisti ad eum manus tuas.
“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands towards him.
14 Si iniquitatem quæ est in manu tua abstuleris a te, et non manserit in tabernaculo tuo injustitia,
If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
15 tunc levare poteris faciem tuam absque macula; et eris stabilis, et non timebis.
Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear,
16 Miseriæ quoque oblivisceris, et quasi aquarum quæ præterierunt recordaberis.
for you will forget your misery. You will remember it like waters that have passed away.
17 Et quasi meridianus fulgor consurget tibi ad vesperam; et cum te consumptum putaveris, orieris ut lucifer.
Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.
18 Et habebis fiduciam, proposita tibi spe: et defossus securus dormies.
You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.
19 Requiesces, et non erit qui te exterreat; et deprecabuntur faciem tuam plurimi.
Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid. Yes, many will court your favour.
20 Oculi autem impiorum deficient, et effugium peribit ab eis: et spes illorum abominatio animæ.
But the eyes of the wicked will fail. They will have no way to flee. Their hope will be the giving up of the spirit.”

< Job 11 >