Job - Chapter 34 | New International Version

  • 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. What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?
  • 8. He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.
  • 9. For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries 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 a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his 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 mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.
  • 16. If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
  • 17. Can he 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.
  • 21. His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.
  • 22. There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.
  • 23. God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.
  • 24. Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.
  • 25. Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
  • 26. He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,
  • 27. because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.
  • 28. They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.
  • 29. But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over man and nation alike,
  • 30. to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.
  • 31. Suppose a man says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more.
  • 32. Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'
  • 33. Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.
  • 34. Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,
  • 35. 'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'
  • 36. Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!
  • 37. To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."
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