1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
2 Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.
5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie against my right? my wound [is] incurable without transgression.
7 What man [is] like Job, [who] drinketh up scorning like water?
8 Which 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 delight himself 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 shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to [his] ways.
12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who hath given 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 turn again unto dust.
16 If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
18 [Is it fit] to say to a king, [Thou art] wicked? [and] to princes, [Ye are] ungodly?
19 [How much less to him] that accepteth 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 shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
21 For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
22 [There is] no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For he will not lay upon man more [than right]; that he should enter into judgment with God.
24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth [them] in the night, so that they are destroyed.
26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only:
30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]:
32 [That which] I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
33 [Should it be] according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words [were] without wisdom.
36 My desire [is that] Job may be tried unto the end because of [his] answers for wicked men.
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Overview of Job Chapter 34
Job Chapter 34 is a critical segment of the Book of Job, where Elihu, a young man who has been listening to Job and his friends, speaks out. This chapter is significant as it addresses the nature of God’s justice and the relationship between God and humanity. Elihu defends God’s righteousness and argues against the idea that Job is innocent while God is unjust.
Elihu’s Argumentation
Elihu begins by calling for attention to his words, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of God and His actions.
- Call for Attention: Elihu urges his listeners to hear him out, suggesting that he has wisdom to impart.
- God’s Justice: He asserts that God is just and does not act wickedly.
- Human Limitations: Elihu emphasizes that humans cannot fully understand God’s ways.
The Nature of God
Elihu elaborates on the character of God, highlighting several key attributes.
- Righteousness: God is inherently righteous and cannot do wrong.
- Impartiality: God does not show favoritism; He treats all people equally.
- Omniscience: God is all-knowing and understands the hearts of men.
The Consequences of Sin
Elihu discusses the consequences of sin and how it affects one’s relationship with God.
- Sin Leads to Suffering: Elihu argues that suffering is often a result of one’s own actions and choices.
- God’s Discipline: He suggests that God uses suffering as a means of discipline to bring people back to righteousness.
Job’s Response to God
Elihu critiques Job’s responses to his suffering, claiming that Job has spoken without understanding.
- Accusation of Injustice: Elihu points out that Job has accused God of being unjust.
- Need for Humility: He calls for Job to recognize his limitations and to submit to God’s wisdom.
Conclusion of Elihu’s Speech
The chapter concludes with Elihu urging Job and others to reflect on the greatness of God and the need for humility in the face of divine wisdom.
- Call for Repentance: Elihu encourages Job to repent and seek God’s mercy.
- Recognition of God’s Sovereignty: He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God’s power and authority over all creation.
Theological Implications
Job Chapter 34 raises significant theological questions regarding the nature of suffering, justice, and the human understanding of God.
- The Problem of Evil: The chapter engages with the age-old question of why the righteous suffer.
- God’s Sovereignty vs. Human Free Will: It highlights the tension between divine control and human agency.
Final Thoughts
Elihu’s discourse in Job Chapter 34 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, challenging both Job and the readers to reconsider their understanding of God’s justice and the human condition. It sets the stage for the subsequent dialogues and ultimately leads to a deeper exploration of faith and suffering.
