Job 36

36:1

And Elihu continued:

36:2

“Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said on God’s behalf.

36:3

I get my knowledge from afar, and I will ascribe justice to my Maker.

36:4

For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you.

36:5

Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding.

36:6

He does not keep the wicked alive, but He grants justice to the afflicted.

36:7

He does not take His eyes off the righteous, but He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.

36:8

And if men are bound with chains, caught in cords of affliction,

36:9

then He tells them their deeds and how arrogantly they have transgressed.

36:10

He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity.

36:11

If they obey and serve Him, then they end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness.

36:12

But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.

36:13

The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He binds them, they do not cry for help.

36:14

They die in their youth, among the male shrine prostitutes.

36:15

God rescues the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression.

36:16

Indeed, He drew you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and broad place, to a table full of richness.

36:17

But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have seized you.

36:18

Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray.

36:19

Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress?

36:20

Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes.

36:21

Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.

36:22

Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?

36:23

Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?

36:24

Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song.

36:25

All mankind has seen it; men behold it from afar.

36:26

Indeed, God is great—beyond our knowledge; the number of His years is unsearchable.

36:27

For He draws up drops of water which distill the rain from the mist,

36:28

which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind.

36:29

Furthermore, who can understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion?

36:30

See how He scatters His lightning around Him and covers the depths of the sea.

36:31

For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance.

36:32

He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.

36:33

The thunder declares His presence; even the cattle regard the rising storm.