Job 34:1-37 WEB

[1] Moreover Elihu answered, [2] “Hear my words, you wise men. Give ear to me, you who have knowledge. [3] For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food. [4] Let us choose for us that which is right. Let us know among ourselves what is good. [5] For Job has said, ‘I am righteous, God has taken away my right. [6] Notwithstanding my right I am considered a liar. My wound is incurable, though I am without disobedience.’ [7] What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water, [8] who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men? [9] For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.’ [10] “Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. [11] For the work of a man he will render to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. [12] Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice. [13] Who put him in charge of the earth? Or who has appointed him over the whole world? [14] If he set his heart on himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath, [15] all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to dust. [16] “If now you have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words. [17] Should even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty, [18] who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’? [19] He doesn’t respect the persons of princes, nor respect the rich more than the poor, for they all are the work of his hands. [20] In a moment they die, even at midnight. The people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are taken away without a hand. [21] “For his eyes are on the ways of a man. He sees all his goings. [22] There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. [23] For he doesn’t need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment. [24] He breaks mighty men in pieces in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place. [25] Therefore he takes knowledge of their works. He overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed. [26] He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others; [27] because they turned away from following him, and wouldn’t pay attention to any of his ways, [28] so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him. He heard the cry of the afflicted. [29] When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? He is over a nation or a man alike, [30] that the godless man may not reign, that there be no one to ensnare the people. [31] “For has any said to God, ‘I am guilty, but I will not offend any more. [32] Teach me that which I don’t see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more’? [33] Shall his recompense be as you desire, that you refuse it? For you must choose, and not I. Therefore speak what you know. [34] Men of understanding will tell me, yes, every wise man who hears me: [35] ‘Job speaks without knowledge. His words are without wisdom.’ [36] I wish that Job were tried to the end, because of his answering like wicked men. [37] For he adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God.”