Study Desk

Then Elihu said:

"Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me,^(a) you men of learning.

For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.^(b)

Let us discern for ourselves what is right;^(c) let us learn together what is good.^(d)

"Job says, ‘I am innocent,^(e) but God denies me justice.^(f)

Although I am right, I am considered a liar;^(g) although I am guiltless,^(h) his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'⁽ⁱ⁾

Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water?^(j)

He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked.^(k)

For he says, ‘There is no profit in trying to please God.'^(l)

"So listen to me,^(m) you men of understanding.⁽ⁿ⁾ Far be it from God to do evil,^(o) from the Almighty to do wrong.^(p)

He repays everyone for what they have done;^(q) he brings on them what their conduct deserves.^(r)

It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,^(s) that the Almighty would pervert justice.^(t)

Who appointed^(u) him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?^(v)

If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit^[a](w) and breath,^(x)

all humanity would perish^(y) together and mankind would return to the dust.^(z)

"If you have understanding,^(aa) hear this; listen to what I say.^(ab)

Can someone who hates justice govern?^(ac) Will you condemn the just and mighty One?^(ad)

Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,' and to nobles,^(ae) ‘You are wicked,'^(af)

who shows no partiality^(ag) to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor,^(ah) for they are all the work of his hands?^(ai)

They die in an instant, in the middle of the night;^(aj) the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.^(ak)

"His eyes are on the ways of mortals;^(al) he sees their every step.^(am)

There is no deep shadow,^(an) no utter darkness,^(ao) where evildoers can hide.^(ap)

God has no need to examine people further,^(aq) that they should come before him for judgment.^(ar)

Without inquiry he shatters^(as) the mighty^(at) and sets up others in their place.^(au)

Because he takes note of their deeds,^(av) he overthrows them in the night^(aw) and they are crushed.^(ax)

He punishes them for their wickedness^(ay) where everyone can see them,

because they turned from following him^(az) and had no regard for any of his ways.^(ba)

They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.^(bb)

But if he remains silent,^(bc) who can condemn him?^(bd) If he hides his face,^(be) who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike,^(bf)

to keep the godless^(bg) from ruling,^(bh) from laying snares for the people.^(bi)

"Suppose someone says to God, ‘I am guilty^(bj) but will offend no more.

Teach me what I cannot see;^(bk) if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'^(bl)

Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent?^(bm) You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.

"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

‘Job speaks without knowledge;^(bn) his words lack insight.'^(bo)

Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!^(bp)

To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands^(bq) among us and multiplies his words^(br) against God."^(bs)