Job 34

1Then Elihu continued, 2“Listen to my words, you men who say you are wise; pay attention to what I'm saying you who think you know.1 3The ear distinguishes words just as the palate distinguishes foods.2 4Let us discern for ourselves what is right: let us decide among ourselves what is good. 5Job said, ‘I am innocent, and God has denied me justice. 6Even though I'm right, I'm treated like a liar; I am dying from my wounds, even though I've done nothing wrong.’3

7Has there ever been a man like Job with such a thirst for ridiculing others?4 8He keeps company with wicked people; he associates with those who do evil. 9He's even said, ‘What benefit is there in being God's friend?’

10So listen to me, you men of understanding! It's impossible for God to do evil and the Almighty to do wrong. 11He pays people back for what they've done, and treats them as they deserve. 12It's absolutely sure that God doesn't act wickedly; the Almighty would never pervert justice.5 13Who put him in charge of the earth? Who gave him the responsibility for all the world? 14If he were to withdraw6 his spirit, if he were to take back his breath, 15all living things would immediately die and human beings would return to dust.

16If you have understanding then hear this; pay attention to what I'm saying. 17Do you really think someone who hated justice could govern? Are you going to condemn Almighty God who always does what is right? 18He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’ 19He doesn't think more of the rich than the poor, for they are all people he himself made. 20They die in a moment; at midnight they shudder and pass away; the mighty are gone without effort.

21For he watches what they're doing and sees everywhere they go. 22There is no darkness so deep where people who do evil can hide themselves from him. 23God doesn't need to examine anyone in any greater detail that they should come before him for judgment.7 24He brings down8 the mighty without needing an investigation; he sets up others in their place. 25Knowing what they've done he overthrows them in a night and destroys them. 26He strikes them down for their wickedness in public where they can be seen 27because they turned away from following him, disregarding all his ways. 28They made the poor call out to him, and he heard the cries of the oppressed. 29Yet 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, 30a person who rejects God should not rule so they don't mislead9 people.

31If you10 were to say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I won't do bad things any more. 32Show me what I cannot see. If I have done wrong, I won't do it again,’ 33then should God reward you for following your own opinions11 since you have rejected his? You're the one who has to choose, not me! Tell us what you think. 34For people who understand—those who are wise who have heard what I said—will tell me, 35‘Job doesn't know what he's talking about. What he says doesn't make any sense.’ 36If only Job were thoroughly condemned because he speaks like evil people do. 37Now he has added rebellion to his sins; he claps his hands at us,12 making long speeches full of accusations against God.”