Study Desk

Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him.

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.

And don't tell me, ‘He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.'

For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Look, you and I both belong to God. I, too, was formed from clay.

God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy.

"But you are wrong, and I will show you why. For God is greater than any human being.

For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.

"Or God disciplines people with pain on their sickbeds, with ceaseless aching in their bones.

When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing.

God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.'

"Yes, God does these things again and again for people.

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

He has even said, ‘Why waste time trying to please God?'

"Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.

Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice.

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath,

Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty judge?

"For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do.

We don't set the time when we will come before God in judgment.