Job 34

34:1

Then Elihu continued:

34:2

“Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.

34:3

For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food.

34:4

Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

34:5

For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice.

34:6

Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’

34:7

What man is like Job, who drinks up derision like water?

34:8

He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men.

34:9

For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’

34:10

Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.

34:11

For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.

34:12

Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

34:13

Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?

34:14

If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,

34:15

all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.

34:16

If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words.

34:17

Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One,

34:18

who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

34:19

who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

34:20

They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

34:21

For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step.

34:22

There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.

34:23

For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment.

34:24

He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place.

34:25

Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

34:26

He strikes them for their wickedness in full view,

34:27

because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways.

34:28

They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.

34:29

But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,

34:30

that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.

34:31

Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more.

34:32

Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’

34:33

Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed His? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know.

34:34

Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say:

34:35

‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’

34:36

If only Job were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man.

34:37

For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”