34:1 Then Elihu said:

34:2 "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.

34:3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.

34:4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

34:5 "Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice.

34:6 Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'

34:7 What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?

34:8 He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.

34:9 For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.'

34:10 "So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.

34:11 He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.

34:12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.

34:13 Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?

34:14 If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,

34:15 all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.

34:16 "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.

34:17 Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?

34:18 Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'

34:19 who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

34:20 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.

34:21 "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.

34:22 There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.

34:23 God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.

34:24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.

34:25 Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

34:26 He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,

34:27 because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.

34:28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.

34:29 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,

34:30 to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.

34:31 "Suppose a man says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more.

34:32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'

34:33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.

34:34 "Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

34:35 'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'

34:36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!

34:37 To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."