[1] Elihu Continues Elihu said: [2] Be patient a while longer; I have something else to say in God's defense. [3] God always does right- and this knowledge comes straight from God. [4] You can rest assured that what I say is true. [5] Although God is mighty, he cares about everyone and makes fair decisions. [6] The wicked are cut down, and those who are wronged receive justice. [7] God watches over good people and places them in positions of power and honor forever. [8] But when people are prisoners of suffering and pain, [9] God points out their sin and their pride, [10] then he warns them to turn back to him. [11] And if they obey, they will be successful and happy from then on. [12] But if they foolishly refuse, they will be rewarded with a violent death. [13] Godless people are too angry to ask God for help when he punishes them. [14] So they die young in shameful disgrace. [15] Hard times and trouble are God's way of getting our attention! [16] And at this very moment, God deeply desires to lead you from trouble and to spread your table with your favorite food. [17] Now that the judgment for your sins has fallen upon you, [18] don't let your anger and the pain you endured make you sneer at God. [19] Your reputation and riches cannot protect you from distress, [20] nor can you find safety in the dark world below. [21] Be on guard! Don't turn to evil as a way of escape. [22] God's power is unlimited. He needs no teachers [23] to guide or correct him. [24] Others have praised God for what he has done, so join with them. [25] From down here on earth, everyone has looked up and seen [26] how great God is-God is more than we imagine; no one can count the years he has lived. [27] God gathers moisture into the clouds [28] and supplies us with rain. [29] Who can understand how God scatters the clouds and speaks from his home in the thunderstorm? [30] And when God sends lightning, it can be seen at the bottom of the sea. [31] By producing such rainstorms, God rules the world and provides us with food. [32] Each flash of lightning is one of his arrows striking its target, [33] and the thunder tells of his anger against sin.
