[1] Then Elihu answered: [2] "Do you think this to be just when you say, 'My right before God'? [3] But you say, 'What will it profit you,' and, 'What do I gain by not sinning?' [4] I will reply to you, and to your friends with you. [5] Gaze at the heavens and see; consider the clouds, which are higher than you. [6] If you sin, how does it affect God? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to him? [7] If you are righteous, what do you give to God, or what does he receive from your hand? [8] Your wickedness affects only a person like yourself, and your righteousness only other people. [9] "People cry out because of the excess of oppression; they cry out for help because of the power of the mighty. [10] But no one says, 'Where is God, my Creator, who gives songs in the night, [11] who teaches us more than the wild animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?' [12] Then they cry out-but he does not answer-because of the arrogance of the wicked. [13] Surely it is an empty cry-God does not hear it; the Almighty does not take notice of it. [14] How much less, then, when you say that you do not perceive him, that the case is before him and you are waiting for him! [15] And further, when you say that his anger does not punish, and that he does not know transgression! [16] So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; without knowledge he multiplies words."
