Then answered Żofar the Na῾amatite, and said,

Then Tzofar the Na'amathite raised his voice and said:

Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be accounted in the right?

Will the multiplier of words not be answered? Will the man of glib speech [(on that account)] be justified?

Should thy babble make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

Will your fabrications silence men, and will you mock [the L rd] because no one shames [you]?

For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in Thy eyes.

You said: "My ways are clean, and I was pure in Your eyes."

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee:

But would that G d spoke and opened His lips [to contend] with you.

and that he would tell thee the secrets of wisdom, for wisdom is manifold! Know therefore that God exacts of thee less than thy iniquity deserves.

And He would tell you the secrets of wisdom — that there is double to the Wisdom [(the Torah, which you have not fulfilled)]. And know that G d has lent you [but a part of the punishment due you] for your sins.

Canst thou find out the deep things of God? canst thou find out the purpose of the Almighty?

Would you find out the probings of G d [(that you feel you have fulfilled everything)]? Would you find out the far reaches of the Almighty?

It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than She᾽ol; what canst thou know?

[Something as high as] the heights of heaven — what would you do [with it]? [Something] deeper than the depths — what would you know of it?

Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

Longer than the earth is its measure and broader than the sea.

If he pass by, or shut up, or call to judgment, then who can hinder him?

If He pass by and close [one up in afflictions], and he gather his entire retinue [to protest it], who can controvert Him?

For he knows vain men; and when he sees iniquity, shall he then take no notice of it?

For He knows men of falsehood, and He sees [their] iniquity [(though in His long-suffering, it may seem to them)] that He does not perceive [it].

But the stupid man shall become wise, when a wild ass’s colt, shall be turned into man!

And [even] the hollow [(wayward)] man can gain a heart [(to repent)], and [one who was ignorant like] a wild ass can [(teach himself to)] be born a man.

If thou prepare thy heart, and stretch out thy hands towards him;

If you would prepare your heart [(after the afflictions)] and spread out your palms to Him —

if iniquity be in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tents.

If there is iniquity in your hand remove it far from you and let no wrong dwell in your tent —

Surely then thou shalt lift up thy face without blemish; and thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:

Then you would lift your face without blemish [(for you would have removed all your blemishes)] and you would be steadfast and not fear.

because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:

For you will forget [your] trials and [remember of them only] as [much as one remembers of] passing waters.

and thy eye shall be clearer than the noonday; its darkness shall be like the morning.

And a time [of light] brighter than the afternoon will arise for you. [Your] darkness will turn into morning.

And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt look about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

And rest secure, for there is hope; [as if] you had dug [a protective trench] rest secure.

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; for many shall entreat thy favour.

And [when] you lie down, no one will affright [you]. And great ones will solicit your favor.

But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall turn to despair.

But the hope of the wicked [(your foes)] will be defeated. Refuge will be lost to them. And their hope [for you will be] dejection of spirit [for them].