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"Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated?
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Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, should no one rebuke you?
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For you have said, 'My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.'
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But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you,
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That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves.
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"Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
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They are higher than heaven--what can you do? Deeper than Sheol--what can you know?
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Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea.
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"If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him?
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For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it?
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For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey's colt is born a man.
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"If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him;
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If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
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Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
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Because you would forget your misery, And remember it as waters that have passed away,
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And your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
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And you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
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You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor.
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But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope--loss of life!"