1
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Then Sophar the Naamathite answered, and said:
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2
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Shall not he that speaketh much, hear also? or shall a man full of talk be justified?
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3
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Shall men hold their peace to thee only? and when thou hast mocked others, shall no man confute thee?
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4
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For thou hast said: My word is pure, and I am clean in thy sight.
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5
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And I wish that God would speak with thee, and would open his lips to thee,
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6
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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
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Peradventure thou wilt comprehend the steps of God, and wilt find out the Almighty perfectly?
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8
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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
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The measure of him is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
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10
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If he shall overturn all things, or shall press them together, who shall contradict him?
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11
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For he knoweth the vanity of men, and when he seeth iniquity, doth he not consider it?
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12
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A vain man is lifted up into pride, and thinketh himself born free like a wild ass's colt.
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13
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But thou hast hardened thy heart, and hast spread thy hands to him.
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14
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If thou wilt put away from thee the iniquity that is in thy hand, and let not injustice remain in thy tabernacle:
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15
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Then mayst thou lift up thy face without spot, and thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear.
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16
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Thou shalt also forget misery, and remember it only as waters that are passed away.
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17
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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
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And thou shalt have confidence, hope being set before thee, and being buried thou shalt sleep secure.
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19
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Thou shalt rest, and there shall be none to make thee afraid: and many shall entreat thy face.
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20
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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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