Job 34:1-22 ▼

1 Moreover Elihu answered and said:

2 Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

3 For the ear trieth words, As the palate tasteth food.

4 Let us choose for us that which is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good.

5 For Job hath said: 'I am righteous, And God hath taken away my right;

6 Notwithstanding my right I am accounted a liar; My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'

7 What man is like Job, Who drinketh up scorning like water?

8 Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men.

9 For he hath said: 'It profiteth a man nothing That he should be in accord with God.'

10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that He should do wickedness; And from the Almighty, that He should commit iniquity.

11 For the work of a man will He requite unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.

12 Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice.

13 Who gave Him a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world?

14 If He set His heart upon man, If He gather unto Himself his spirit and his breath;

15 All flesh shall perish together, And man shall return unto dust.

16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this; Hearken to the voice of my words.

17 Shall even one that hateth right govern? And wilt thou condemn Him that is just and mighty--

18 Is it fit to say to a king: 'Thou art base'? Or to nobles: 'Ye are wicked'?--

19 That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? For they all are the work of His hands.

20 In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, And the mighty are taken away without hand.

21 For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, And He seeth all his goings.

22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.