[1] Then Elihu said: [2] “Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. [3] For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. [4] Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. [5] “Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God denies me justice. [6] Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’ [7] Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? [8] He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked. [9] For he says, ‘There is no profit in trying to please God.’ [10] “So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. [11] He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. [12] It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. [13] Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? [14] If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, [15] all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. [16] “If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. [17] Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One? [18] Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ [19] who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? [20] They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.
