Study Desk

For God has cut my bowstring. He has humbled me, so they have thrown off all restraint.

"Surely no one would turn against the needy when they cry for help in their trouble.

Did I not weep for those in trouble? Was I not deeply grieved for the needy?

So I looked for good, but evil came instead. I waited for the light, but darkness fell.

I walk in gloom, without sunlight. I stand in the public square and cry for help.

For what has God above chosen for us? What is our inheritance from the Almighty on high?

Isn't it calamity for the wicked and misfortune for those who do evil?

Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity.

If I have strayed from his pathway, or if my heart has lusted for what my eyes have seen, or if I am guilty of any other sin,

"If my heart has been seduced by a woman, or if I have lusted for my neighbor's wife,

For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished.

For God created both me and my servants. He created us both in the womb.

No, from childhood I have cared for orphans like a father, and all my life I have cared for widows.

did they not praise me for providing wool clothing to keep them warm?

That would be better than facing God's judgment. For if the majesty of God opposes me, what hope is there?

If so, I should be punished by the judges, for it would mean I had denied the God of heaven.

No, I have never sinned by cursing anyone or by asking for revenge.

For I would tell him exactly what I have done. I would come before him like a prince.

He was also angry with Job's three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job's arguments.

Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he.