[1] Elihu continued: [2] “Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God’s behalf. [3] I get my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe justice to my Maker. [4] Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you. [5] “God is mighty, but despises no one; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose. [6] He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights. [7] He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever. [8] But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction, [9] he tells them what they have done—that they have sinned arrogantly. [10] He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil. [11] If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. [12] But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge. [13] “The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help. [14] They die in their youth, among male prostitutes of the shrines. [15] But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.
