Job 34:1-37 NCV

[1] Then Elihu said: [2] "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you who know a lot. [3] The ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. [4] Let's decide for ourselves what is right, and let's learn together what is good. [5] "Job says, 'I am not guilty, and God has refused me a fair trial. [6] Instead of getting a fair trial, I am called a liar. I have been seriously hurt, even though I have not sinned.' [7] There is no other man like Job; he takes insults as if he were drinking water. [8] He keeps company with those who do evil and spends time with wicked men, [9] because he says, 'It is no use to try to please God.' [10] "So listen to me, you who can understand. God can never do wrong! It is impossible for the Almighty to do evil. [11] God pays people back for what they have done and gives them what their actions deserve. [12] Truly God will never do wrong; the Almighty will never twist what is right. [13] No one chose God to rule over the earth or put him in charge of the whole world. [14] If God should decide to take away life and breath, [15] then everyone would die together and turn back into dust. [16] "If you can understand, hear this; listen to what I have to say. [17] Can anyone govern who hates what is right? How can you blame God who is both fair and powerful? [18] God is the one who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' or to important people, 'You are evil.' [19] He is not nicer to princes than other people, nor kinder to rich people than poor people, because he made them all with his own hands. [20] They can die in a moment, in the middle of the night. They are struck down, and then they pass away; powerful people die without help. [21] "God watches where people go; he sees every step they take. [22] There is no dark place or deep shadow where those who do evil can hide from him. [23] He does not set a time for people to come before him for judging. [24] Without asking questions, God breaks powerful people into pieces and puts others in their place. [25] Because God knows what people do, he defeats them in the night, and they are crushed. [26] He punishes them for the evil they do so that everyone else can watch, [27] because they stopped following God and did not care about any of his ways. [28] The cry of the poor comes to God; he hears the cry of the needy. [29] But if God keeps quiet, who can blame him? If he hides his face, who can see him? God still rules over both nations and persons alike. [30] He keeps the wicked from ruling and from trapping others. [31] "But suppose someone says to God, 'I am guilty, but I will not sin anymore. [32] Teach me what I cannot see. If I have done wrong, I will not do it again.' [33] So, Job, should God reward you as you want when you refuse to change? You must decide, not I, so tell me what you know. [34] "Those who understand speak, and the wise who hear me say, [35] 'Job speaks without knowing what is true; his words show he does not understand.' [36] I wish Job would be tested completely, because he answered like an evil man! [37] Job now adds to his sin by turning against God. He claps his hands in protest, speaking more and more against God."