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Then Zophar the Naamathite made answer and said,
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Are all these words to go unanswered? and is a man seen to be right because he is full of talk?
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Are your words of pride to make men keep quiet? and are you to make sport, with no one to put you to shame?
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You may say, My way is clean, and I am free from sin in your eyes.
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But if only God would take up the word, opening his lips in argument with you;
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And would make clear to you the secrets of wisdom, and the wonders of his purpose!
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Are you able to take God's measure, to make discovery of the limits of the Ruler of all?
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They are higher than heaven; what is there for you to do? deeper than the underworld, and outside your knowledge;
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Longer in measure than the earth, and wider than the sea.
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If he goes on his way, shutting a man up and putting him to death, who may make him go back from his purpose?
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For in his eyes men are as nothing; he sees evil and takes note of it.
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And so a hollow-minded man will get wisdom, when a young ass of the field gets teaching.
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But if you put your heart right, stretching out your hands to him;
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If you put far away the evil of your hands, and let no wrongdoing have a place in your tent;
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Then truly your face will be lifted up, with no mark of sin, and you will be fixed in your place without fear:
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For your sorrow will go from your memory, like waters flowing away:
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And your life will be brighter than day; though it is dark, it will become like the morning.
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And you will be safe because there is hope; after looking round, you will take your rest in quiet;
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Sleeping with no fear of danger; and men will be desiring to have grace in your eyes;
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But the eyes of the evil-doers will be wasting away; their way of flight is gone, and their only hope is the taking of their last breath.
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