18 Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'
18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
18 who says to a king, 'Worthless one,' and to nobles, 'Wicked man,'
18 Doesn't God always tell it like it is, exposing corrupt rulers as scoundrels and criminals?
18 Is it fitting to say to a king, 'You are worthless,' And to nobles, 'You are wicked'?
18 For he says to kings, 'You are wicked,' and to nobles, 'You are unjust.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 34:18
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.