Job 11

² “Shouldn’t the multitude of words be answered?
    Should a man full of talk be justified?
³ Should your boastings make men hold their peace?
    When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?
⁴ For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure.
    I am clean in your eyes.’
⁵ But oh that God would speak,
    and open his lips against you,
⁶ 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 “Can you fathom the mystery of God?
    Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
⁸ They are high as heaven. What can you do?
    They are deeper than Sheol. ^[a] What can you know?
⁹ Its measure is longer than the earth,
    and broader than the sea.
¹⁰ If he passes by, or confines,
    or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?
¹¹ For he knows false men.
    He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn’t consider it.
¹² An empty-headed man becomes wise
    when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.

¹³ “If you set your heart aright,
    stretch out your hands toward him.
¹⁴ If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away.
    Don’t let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.
¹⁵ Surely then you will lift up your face without spot;
    Yes, you will be steadfast, and will not fear:
¹⁶ for you will forget your misery.
    You will remember it like waters that have passed away.
¹⁷ Life will be clearer than the noonday.
    Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.
¹⁸ You will be secure, because there is hope.
    Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.
¹⁹ Also you will lie down, and no one will make you afraid.
    Yes, many will court your favor.
²⁰ 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.”