Job 34:1-37 CSB

[1] Then Elihu continued, saying: [2] Hear my words, you wise ones, and listen to me, you knowledgeable ones. [3] Doesn't the ear test words as the palate tastes food? [4] Let us judge for ourselves what is right; let us decide together what is good. [5] For Job has declared, "I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice. [6] Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression." [7] What man is like Job? He drinks derision like water. [8] He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men. [9] For he has said, "A man gains nothing when he becomes God's friend." [10] Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly. [11] For he repays a person according to his deeds, and he gives him what his conduct deserves. [12] Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly and the Almighty does not pervert justice. [13] Who gave him authority over the earth? Who put him in charge of the entire world? [14] If he put his mind to it and withdrew the spirit and breath he gave, [15] every living thing would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. [16] If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I have to say. [17] Could one who hates justice govern the world? Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One, [18] who says to a king, "Worthless man!" and to nobles, "Wicked men!"? [19] God is not partial to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands. [20] They die suddenly in the middle of the night; people shudder, then pass away. Even the mighty are removed without effort. [21] For his eyes watch over a man's ways, and he observes all his steps. [22] There is no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide. [23] God does not need to examine a person further, that one should approach him in court. [24] He shatters the mighty without an investigation and sets others in their place. [25] Therefore, he recognizes their deeds and overthrows them by night, and they are crushed. [26] In full view of the public, he strikes them for their wickedness, [27] because they turned aside from following him and did not understand any of his ways [28] but caused the poor to cry out to him, and he heard the outcry of the needy. [29] But when God is silent, who can declare him guilty? When he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he watches over both individuals and nations, [30] so that godless men should not rule or ensnare the people. [31] Suppose someone says to God, "I have endured my punishment; I will no longer act wickedly. [32] Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I won't do it again." [33] Should God repay you on your terms when you have rejected his? You must choose, not I! So declare what you know. [34] Reasonable men will say to me, along with the wise men who hear me, [35] "Job speaks without knowledge; his words are without insight." [36] If only Job were tested to the limit, because his answers are like those of wicked men. [37] For he adds rebellion to his sin; he scornfully claps in our presence, while multiplying his words against God.