Job 34:1-37 CEB

[1] Elihu continued: [2] Hear my words, wise ones; knowledgeable ones, listen to me, [3] for the ear tests words like the palate tastes food. [4] Let’s choose for us what’s right; let’s determine among ourselves what’s good; [5] for Job has said, “I’m innocent; God has denied my just cause; [6] because of my cause I’m thought a liar; my wound from an arrow is incurable, even though I didn’t rebel.” [7] Who is a man like Job? He drinks mockery like water [8] and travels a path with wrongdoers, walking with evil persons. [9] Indeed he said, “No one is rewarded for delighting in God.” [10] Therefore, intelligent ones, hear me; far be it from God to do evil and the Almighty to sin, [11] for he repays people based on what they do, paying back everyone according to their ways. [12] Surely God doesn’t act wickedly; the Almighty doesn’t distort justice. [13] Who placed earth in his care, and who gave him dominion over the entire world? [14] If he were to decide to do it—to gather his spirit and breath back to himself— [15] all flesh would die together, and humans would return to dust. [16] But if you have understanding, hear this; pay attention to the sound of my words. [17] Will one who hates justice rule; will you condemn the most righteous one? [18] Will you say to a king, “Worthless!” to royalty, “Evil!” [19] Who shows no favor to princes nor regards the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of God’s hands? [20] In the middle of the night they suddenly die; people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are removed, not by a human hand. [21] God’s eyes are on human ways, and he sees all their steps. [22] There’s no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves; [23] surely no time is set for a person to appear before God in judgment. [24] He shatters the mighty without examining them; makes others take their place. [25] Thus he regards their deeds, overturns them at night, and they are crushed. [26] He strikes them because of their wickedness at a place where people can see it. [27] Because they turned from following him and didn’t value all his ways, [28] causing the cry of the poor to reach him, he hears the cry of the afflicted. [29] Still, if he remains quiet, who can condemn; if he hides his face, who can see him? [30] He prevents a lawless person from ruling, from capturing people. [31] Has Job said to God, “I have borne punishment; I won’t sin again? [32] You teach me what I can’t see; if I’ve sinned, I won’t do it again.” [33] Will he repay you because you reject sin, for you must choose, not I; declare what you know. [34] Smart people say to me, the wise who hear me, [35] “Job speaks without knowledge; his words aren’t astute.” [36] I wish Job would be tested to the limit because he responds like evil people. [37] He adds rebellion to his sin; mocks us openly and adds to his words against God.