Study Desk

But you reply, ‘That's why God can't see what I am doing! How can he judge through the thick darkness?

"But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

No wonder I am so terrified in his presence. When I think of it, terror grips me.

For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew.

"But now I am mocked by people younger than I, by young men whose fathers are not worthy to run with my sheepdogs.

They come at me from all directions. They jump on me when I am down.

Instead, I am considered a brother to jackals and a companion to owls.

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,

Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, "I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think.

For I am full of pent-up words, and the spirit within me urges me on.

I am like a cask of wine without a vent, like a new wineskin ready to burst!

You said, ‘I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt.

But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified.

For Job also said, ‘I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights.

I am innocent, but they call me a liar. My suffering is incurable, though I have not sinned.'

"Do you think it is right for you to claim, ‘I am righteous before God'?

I am telling you nothing but the truth, for I am a man of great knowledge.

"I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.

After the Lord had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite: "I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has.

I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.