Job 34
1 And Elius continued, and said,
Then Elihu continued,
2 Hear me, you wise men; listen, you that have knowledge.
“Listen to my words, you men who say you are wise; pay attention to what I'm saying you who think you know.
3 For the ear tries words, and the mouth tastes meat.
The ear distinguishes words just as the palate distinguishes foods.
4 Let us choose judgement to ourselves: let us know amount ourselves what is right.
Let us discern for ourselves what is right: let us decide among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job has said, I am righteous: the Lord has removed my judgement.
Job said, ‘I am innocent, and God has denied me justice.
6 And he has erred in my judgement: my wound is severe without unrighteousness [of mine].
Even though I'm right, I'm treated like a liar; I am dying from my wounds, even though I've done nothing wrong.’
7 What man is as Job, drinking scorning like water?
Has there ever been a man like Job with such a thirst for ridiculing others?
8 [saying], I have not sinned, nor committed ungodliness, nor had fellowship with workers of iniquity, to go with the ungodly.
He keeps company with wicked people; he associates with those who do evil.
9 For you should not say, There shall be no visitation of a man, whereas [there is] a visitation on him from the Lord.
He's even said, ‘What benefit is there in being God's friend?’
10 Therefore hear me, you that are wise in heart: far be it from me to sin before the Lord, and to pervert righteousness before the almighty.
So listen to me, you men of understanding! It's impossible for God to do evil and the Almighty to do wrong.
11 Yes, he renders to a man accordingly as each of them does, and in a man's path he will find him.
He pays people back for what they've done, and treats them as they deserve.
12 And think you that the Lord will do wrong, or will the Almighty who made the earth wrest judgement?
It's absolutely sure that God doesn't act wickedly; the Almighty would never pervert justice.
13 And who is he that made [the whole world] under heaven, and all things therein?
Who put him in charge of the earth? Who gave him the responsibility for all the world?
14 For if he would confine, and restrain his spirit with himself;
If he were to withdraw his spirit, if he were to take back his breath,
15 all flesh would die together, and every mortal would return to the earth, whence also he was formed.
all living things would immediately die and human beings would return to dust.
16 Take heed lest he rebuke [you]: hear this, listen to the voice of words.
If you have understanding then hear this; pay attention to what I'm saying.
17 Behold then the one that hates iniquities, and that destroys the wicked, who is for ever just.
Do you really think someone who hated justice could govern? Are you going to condemn Almighty God who always does what is right?
18 [He is] ungodly that says to a king, You are a transgressor, [that says] to princes, O most ungodly one.
He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’
19 [Such a one] as would not reverence the face of an honourable man, neither knows how to give honour to the great, so as that their persons should be respected.
He doesn't think more of the rich than the poor, for they are all people he himself made.
20 But it shall turn out vanity to them, to cry and beseech a man; for they dealt unlawfully, the poor being turned aside [from their right].
They die in a moment; at midnight they shudder and pass away; the mighty are gone without effort.
21 For he surveys the works of men, and nothing of what they do has escaped him.
For he watches what they're doing and sees everywhere they go.
22 Neither shall there be a place for the workers of iniquity to hide themselves.
There is no darkness so deep where people who do evil can hide themselves from him.
23 For he will not lay upon a man more [than right].
God doesn't need to examine anyone in any greater detail that they should come before him for judgment.
24 For the Lord looks down upon all men, who comprehends unsearchable things, glorious also and excellent things without number.
He brings down the mighty without needing an investigation; he sets up others in their place.
25 Who discovers their works, and will bring night about [upon them], and they shall be brought low.
Knowing what they've done he overthrows them in a night and destroys them.
26 And he quite destroys the ungodly, for they are seen before him.
He strikes them down for their wickedness in public where they can be seen
27 Because they turned aside from the law of God, and did not regard his ordinances,
because they turned away from following him, disregarding all his ways.
28 so as to bring before him the cry of the needy; for he will hear the cry of the poor.
They made the poor call out to him, and he heard the cries of the oppressed.
29 And he will give quiet, and who will condemn? and he will hide his face, and who shall see him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man also:
Yet if God wants to remain silent, who can condemn him? If he chooses to hide his face, who can see him? Whether it concerns a nation or an individual,
30 causing a hypocrite to be king, because of the waywardness of the people.
a person who rejects God should not rule so they don't mislead people.
31 For [there is] one that says to the Mighty One, I have received [blessings]; I will not take a pledge:
If you were to say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I won't do bad things any more.
32 I will see apart from myself: do you show me if I have done unrighteousness; I will not do [so] any more.
Show me what I cannot see. If I have done wrong, I won't do it again,’
33 Will he take vengeance for it on you, whereas you will put [it] far [from you]? for you shall choose, and not I; and what you know, speak you.
then should God reward you for following your own opinions since you have rejected his? You're the one who has to choose, not me! Tell us what you think.
34 Because the wise in heart shall say this, and a wise man listens to my word.
For people who understand—those who are wise who have heard what I said—will tell me,
35 But Job has not spoken with understanding, his words are not [uttered] with knowledge.
‘Job doesn't know what he's talking about. What he says doesn't make any sense.’
36 Howbeit do you learn, Job: no longer make answer as the foolish:
If only Job were thoroughly condemned because he speaks like evil people do.
37 that we add not to our sins: for iniquity will be reckoned against us, if [we] speak many words before the Lord.
Now he has added rebellion to his sins; he claps his hands at us, making long speeches full of accusations against God.”
