Job 34 :: New International Version (NIV)

Job 34:1

Job 34:1Then Elihu said:

Job 34:2

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

Job 34:3

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

Job 34:4

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

Job 34:5

Job 34:5“Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God denies me justice.

Job 34:6

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

Job 34:7

Job 34:7Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water?

Job 34:8

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

Job 34:9

Job 34:9For he says, ‘There is no profit in trying to please God.’

Job 34:10

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

Job 34:11

Job 34:11He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves.

Job 34:12

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

Job 34:13

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

Job 34:14

Job 34:14If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit[fn] and breath,

Job 34:15

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

Job 34:16

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

Job 34:17

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

Job 34:18

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

Job 34:19

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

Job 34:20

Job 34:20They 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.

Job 34:21

Job 34:21“His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

Job 34:22

Job 34:22There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.

Job 34:23

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

Job 34:24

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

Job 34:25

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

Job 34:26

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

Job 34:27

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

Job 34:28

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

Job 34:29

Job 34:29But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike,

Job 34:30

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

Job 34:31

Job 34:31“Suppose someone says to God, ‘I am guilty but will offend no more.

Job 34:32

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

Job 34:33

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

Job 34:34

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

Job 34:35

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

Job 34:36

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

Job 34:37

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

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NIV Footnotes

(34:14)

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