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." |