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- ¶ THEN answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
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- The LORD does not answer because of the multitude of words, neither can a fluent speaker be justified by his discourse.
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- Behold, at your words, only the dead can hold their peace;
for when you speak, there is no one to stop you; and when you mock, there is no one to rebuke you.
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- For you say, I was led righteously, and I am pure in my sight.
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- But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you;
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- And that he would show you the secrets of wisdom, for wisdom has inner chambers;
then you would know that God would forgive your sins.
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- ¶ Can you understand the deep things of God?
Or can you stand at the outer boundary of the Almighty?
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- Do you know the height of the heaven?
Or the depth of Sheol? How can you know?
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- The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
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- If he should pass by, and besiege, or should cause men to die, who could hinder him?
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- For it is he who knows the beginning of time;
and sees wickedness, and considers it.
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- For a pure man inspires courage, and a mighty man helps others.
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- ¶ If you make your heart right, and stretch out your hands toward him;
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- If iniquity should be in your hands, he would put it far away, and not let wickedness dwell in your tabernacle.
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- For then you will be courageous;
yea, you will not be afraid of distress.
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- Because you shall forget your misery, and you shall be led like running water;
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- And the pit will be clearer than the noonday, and the thick darkness will be like the morning.
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- Then you will have confidence because there is hope;
yea, you lie down and take your rest in safety:
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- Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid;
yea, many shall seek to see your face.
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- But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and their strength shall vanish away together with the hope of their souls.
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