Elihu Justifies God

341 Then Elihu continued and said , 2 "Hear my words , you wise men , And listen to me, you who know . 3 "For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food . 4 "Let us choose for ourselves what is right ; Let us know among ourselves what is good . 5 "For Job has said , ' I am righteous , But God has taken away my right ; 6 Should I lie concerning my right ? My wound is incurable , though I am without transgression .' 7 "What man is like Job , Who drinks up derision like water , 8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity , And walks with wicked men ? 9 "For he has said , ' It profits a man nothing When he is pleased with God .'

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 34:1-9

Commentary on Job 34:1-9

(Read Job 34:1-9)

Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, Psalm 73:13-15, but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.