1Elihu said further, 2“Do you think it is right, Job, for you to claim, ‘I am righteous before God.’? (10:7) 3For you asked, ‘What advantage will it be to me?’ and, ‘What benefit shall I have, if I am cleansed from my sin?’(34:9) 4I will answer you, as well as your companions. 5Look to the heavens, and see the clouds high above you. 6If you sin, how does it affect God? Or if you multiply your transgressions, what does that do to Him? 7If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from you? 8Your wickedness may hurt men such as yourself; and your righteousness may benefit other people.

9“Because of severe oppression, the abused may cry out against the mighty. 10But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night; 11Who teaches us more than He teaches the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’ 12He does not answer when people cry out because of the arrogant pride of evil men. 13But it is wrong to say God does not listen, to say that the Almighty is not concerned. 14You say you cannot see Him, but He will bring justice if you will only wait. 15You say He does not respond to (punish) sinners with anger and is not greatly concerned about wickedness. 16But you are talking nonsense, Job. You have spoken like a fool.”