16 If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: give ear to the voice of my words! 17 Should he that hateth right indeed govern? and wilt thou condemn the All-just? 18 Shall one say to a king, Belial? to nobles, Wicked? 19 [How then to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich man more than the poor? for they are all the work of his hands. 20 In a moment they die, even at midnight the people are convulsed and pass away; and the strong are taken away without hand. 21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his steps. 22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For he doth not long consider a man, to bring him before God in judgment. 24 He breaketh in pieces mighty men without inquiry, and setteth others in their stead; 25 Since he knoweth their actions; and he overthroweth [them] in the night, and they are crushed. 26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others, 27 Because they have turned back from him, and would consider none 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 will disturb? and when he hideth [his] face, who shall behold him? and this towards a nation, or towards a man alike; 30 That the ungodly man reign not, that the people be not ensnared.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 34:16-30
Commentary on Job 34:16-30
(Read Job 34:16-30)
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.