| Chapter 11 |
1 |
Then Sophar the Naamathite answered, and said: -
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2 |
Shall not he that speaketh much, hear also? or shall a man full of talk be justified? -
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3 |
Shall men hold their peace to thee only? and when thou hast mocked others, shall no man confute thee? -
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4 |
For thou hast said: My word is pure, and I am clean in thy sight. -
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5 |
And I wish that God would speak with thee, and would open his lips to thee, -
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6 |
That he might shew thee the secrets of wisdom, and that his law is manifold, and thou mightest understand that he exacteth much less of thee, than thy iniquity deserveth. -
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7 |
Peradventure thou wilt comprehend the steps of God, and wilt find out the Almighty perfectly? -
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8 |
He is higher than heaven, and what wilt thou do ? he is deeper than hell, and how wilt thou know? -
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9 |
The measure of him is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. -
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10 |
If he shall overturn all things, or shall press them together, who shall contradict him? -
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11 |
For he knoweth the vanity of men, and when he seeth iniquity, doth he not consider it? -
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12 |
A vain man is lifted up into pride, and thinketh himself born free like a wild ass's colt. -
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13 |
Rut thou hast hardened thy heart, and hast spread thy hands to him. -
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14 |
If thou wilt put away from thee the iniquity that is in thy hand, and lot not injustice remain in thy tabernacle: -
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15 |
Then mayst thou lift up thy face without spot, and thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. -
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16 |
Thou shalt also forget misery, and remember it only as waters that are passed away. -
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17 |
And brightness like that of the noonday, shall arise to thee at evening: and when thou shalt think thyself consumed, thou shalt rise as the day star. -
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18 |
And thou shalt have confidence, hope being set before thee, and being buried thou shalt sleep secure. -
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19 |
Thou shalt rest, and there shall be none to make thee afraid: and many shall entreat thy face. -
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20 |
But the eyes of the wicked shall decay, and the way to escape shall fail them, and their hope the abomination of the soul. -
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