Job 34:1-37 BSB

[1] Then Elihu continued: [2] “Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning. [3] For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food. [4] Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn 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, who drinks up derision like water? [8] He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men. [9] For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ [10] Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. [11] For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. [12] Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice. [13] Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world? [14] If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, [15] all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. [16] If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words. [17] Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, [18] who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ [19] who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. [20] They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. [21] For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. [22] There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. [23] For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment. [24] He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. [25] Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. [26] He strikes them for their wickedness in full view, [27] because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways. [28] They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. [29] But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, [30] that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people. [31] Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more. [32] Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’ [33] Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed Him? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know. [34] Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say: [35] ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’ [36] If only Job were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man. [37] For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”