Study Desk

I always invited strangers into my home so that they would not have to sleep in the streets.

I was never so afraid of what people might say or of making enemies that I kept my sins secret and avoided going out.

Then Job's three friends gave up trying to answer him, because he was so sure that he was innocent.

Elihu was the youngest one there, so he had waited until everyone finished talking.

So here's what Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am only a young man, and you are all older. That is why I was afraid to tell you what I think.

I thought to myself, ‘Older people should speak first. They have lived many years, so they have learned many things.'

"So please listen to me, and I will tell you what I think.

Job was arguing with you, not me, so I will not use your arguments to answer him.

So now I will give you my answer. Yes, I will tell you what I think.

I have so much to say that I cannot hold it in.

I must speak so that I will feel better. I must answer your arguments.

My heart is honest, so my words are sincere. I will speak the truth about what I know.

They feel so bad they cannot eat. Even the best food makes them sick.

He wants them to be saved from death so that they can enjoy life.

"Listen to what I say, you wise men. Pay attention, you who know so much.

So let us test these arguments and decide for ourselves what is right. Together we will learn what is good.

"You men can understand, so listen to me. God would never do what is evil! God All-Powerful would never do wrong.

He keeps the wicked from ruling so that they will not bring harm to the people.

Look up at the sky. Look at the clouds, which are so much higher than you.

So, Job, God will not listen to you when you say that you don't see him. You say you are waiting for your chance to meet with him and prove that you are innocent.