Study Desk

Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?

But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell.

I go about blackened, but not by the sun. I stand up in the assembly and cry for help.

For what is the allotment of God from above, or the heritage from the Almighty on high?

then may my own wife grind grain for another, and may other men sleep with her.

For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged.

For it is a fire that burns down to Abaddon; it would root out my entire harvest.

if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak,

if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep,

For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.

this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high.

I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse-

but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler-

This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, who burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God.

Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,

For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.

For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.

Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man.

For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices.

Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,