Job 34BSB

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Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

1Then Elihu continued:

2“Hear my words, O wise men;give ear to me, O men of learning.
ear tests … mouth tastes: Elihu repeated Job’s...

ear tests … mouth tastes: Elihu repeated Job’s earlier complaint about the other counselors’ weak argument that, "Wisdom is found with the elderly" (12:11–12; see 6:30; Hebrews 5:14).

3For the ear tests wordsas the mouth tastes food.4Let us choose for ourselves what is right;let us learn together what is good.
Job said he was righteous: See 9:20–21; 13:18;...

Job said he was righteous: See 9:20–21; 13:18; 27:6.

5For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous,yet God has deprived me of justice.6Would I lie about my case?My wound is incurable,though I am without transgression.’7What man is like Job,who drinks up derision like water?8He keeps company with evildoersand walks with wicked men.9For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothingthat he should delight in God.’
The passage connects three ideas to the belief...

The passage connects three ideas to the belief that God can do no wrong (34:10, 12):

  1. God rewards or punishes people based on their actions (34:11);

  2. As the creator, God does not have to answer to anyone (34:13).

  3. Every living being relies on God for life. God can take life away without being wrong (34:14–15; compare Romans 9:19–29).

10Therefore listen to me,O men of understanding.Far be it from God to do wrong,and from the Almighty to act unjustly.11For according to a man’s deeds He repays him;according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.12Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly,and the Almighty does not pervert justice.13Who gave Him charge over the earth?Who appointed Him over the whole world?14If He were to set His heart to itand withdraw His Spirit and breath,15all flesh would perish togetherand mankind would return to the dust.
16If you have understanding, hear this;listen to my words.17Could one who hates justice govern?Will you condemn the just and mighty One,18who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’19who is not partial to princesand does not favor rich over poor?For they are all the work of His hands.20They die in an instant,in the middle of the night.The people convulse and pass away;the mighty are removed without human hand.
21For His eyes are on the ways of a man,and He sees his every step.22There is no darkness or deep shadowwhere the workers of iniquity can hide.23For God need not examine a man furtheror have him approach for judgment.24He shatters the mighty without inquiryand sets up others in their place.25Therefore, He recognizes their deeds;He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.26He strikes them for their wickednessin full view,27because they turned aside from Himand had no regard for any of His ways.28They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him,and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.29But 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,30that godless men should not ruleor lay snares for the people.
31Suppose someone says to God,I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more.32Teach me what I cannot see;if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’33Should God repay you on your own termswhen you have disavowed Him?You must choose, not I;so tell me what you know.34Men of understanding will declare to me,and the wise men who hear me will say:35Job speaks without knowledge;his words lack insight.’36If only Job were tried to the utmostfor answering like a wicked man.37For he adds rebellion to his sin;he claps his hands among usand multiplies his words against God.”