Job 34

1

Then Elihu said:

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

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For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.

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

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"Job says, `I am innocent, but God denies me justice.

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

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What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?

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He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.

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

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

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

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

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

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If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit ^[1] and breath,

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,

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

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

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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,

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

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"Suppose a man says to God, `I am guilty but will offend no more.

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

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

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

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`Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'

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

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

1. [14] Or Spirit