[1] Elihu continued speaking [to Job] and said, [2] “Do you think this is according to [your] justice? Do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’? [3] For you say, ‘What advantage have you [by living a righteous life]? What profit will I have, more [by being righteous] than if I had sinned?’ [4] I will answer you, And your companions with you. [5] Look to the heavens and see; And behold the skies which are [much] higher than you. [6] If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what have you done to Him? [7] If you are righteous, what do you give God, Or what does He receive from your hand? [8] Your wickedness affects only a man such as you, And your righteousness affects only a son of man [but it cannot affect God, who is sovereign]. [9] “Because of the multitudes of oppressions the people cry out; They cry for help because of the [violent] arm of the mighty. [10] But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs [of rejoicing] in the night, [11] Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth And makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’ [12] The people cry out, but He does not answer Because of the pride of evil men. [13] Surely God will not listen to an empty cry [which lacks trust], Nor will the Almighty regard it. [14] Even though you say that you do not see Him [when missing His righteous judgment on earth], Yet your case is before Him, and you must wait for Him! [15] And now, because He has not [quickly] punished in His anger, Nor has He acknowledged transgression and arrogance well [and seems unaware of the wrong of which a person is guilty], [16] Job uselessly opens his mouth And multiplies words without knowledge [drawing the worthless conclusion that the righteous have no more advantage than the wicked].”
