321 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.[1] 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. 7 I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' 8 But it is the spirit[2] in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. 9 It is not only the old[3] who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. 10 "Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know. 11 I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words, 12 I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments. 13 Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God, not a man, refute him.' 14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 "They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them. 16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply? 17 I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know. 18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; 19 inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. 20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply. 21 I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone; 22 for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.
331 "But now, Job, listen to my words; pay attention to everything I say. 2 I am about to open my mouth; my words are on the tip of my tongue. 3 My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. 4 The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 Answer me then, if you can; stand up and argue your case before me. 6 I am the same as you in God's sight; I too am a piece of clay. 7 No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy on you.
8 "But you have said in my hearing- I heard the very words- 9 'I am pure, I have done no wrong; I am clean and free from sin. 10 Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy. 11 He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch on all my paths.' 12 "But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than any mortal. 13 Why do you complain to him that he responds to no one's words[4] ?
14 For God does speak-now one way, now another- though no one perceives it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, 16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, 17 to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, 18 to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword.[5]
19 "Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, 20 so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. 21 Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. 22 They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death.[6] 23 Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright, 24 and he is gracious to that person and says to God, 'Spare them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them- 25 let their flesh be renewed like a child's; let them be restored as in the days of their youth'- 26 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God's face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being. 27 And they will go to others and say, 'I have sinned, I have perverted what is right, but I did not get what I deserved. 28 God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.'
29 "God does all these things to a person- twice, even three times- 30 to turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them. 31 "Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. 32 If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want to vindicate you. 33 But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
341 Then Elihu said: 2 "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. 3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. 4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. 5 "Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice. 6 Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.' 7 Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? 8 He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked. 9 For he says, 'There is no profit in trying to please God.'
10 "So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. 11 He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. 12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. 13 Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? 14 If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit[7] and breath, 15 all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.
16 "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. 17 Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One? 18 Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,' 19 who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? 20 They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. 21 "His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step. 22 There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide. 23 God has no need to examine people further, that they should come before him for judgment. 24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place. 25 Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. 26 He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them, 27 because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways. 28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy. 29 But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike, 30 to keep the godless from ruling, from laying snares for the people.
31 "Suppose someone says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more. 32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.' 33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know. 34 "Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me, 35 'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.' 36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man! 37 To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."
351 Then Elihu said: 2 "Do you think this is just? You say, 'I am in the right, not God.' 3 Yet you ask him, 'What profit is it to me,[8]and what do I gain by not sinning?' 4 "I would like to reply to you and to your friends with you. 5 Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you. 6 If you sin, how does that affect him? If your sins are many, what does that do to him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand? 8 Your wickedness only affects humans like yourself, and your righteousness only other people.
9 "People cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. 10 But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, 11 who teaches us more than he teaches[9] the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than[10] the birds in the sky?' 12 He does not answer when people cry out because of the arrogance of the wicked. 13 Indeed, God does not listen to their empty plea; the Almighty pays no attention to it.
14 How much less, then, will he listen when you say that you do not see him, that your case is before him and you must wait for him, 15 and further, that his anger never punishes and he does not take the least notice of wickedness.[11] 16 So Job opens his mouth with empty talk; without knowledge he multiplies words."
361 Elihu continued: 2 "Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God's behalf. 3 I get my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe justice to my Maker. 4 Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you.
5 "God is mighty, but despises no one; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose. 6 He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights. 7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever. 8 But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction, 9 he tells them what they have done- that they have sinned arrogantly. 10 He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil. 11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. 12 But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword[12]and die without knowledge. 13 "The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help. 14 They die in their youth, among male prostitutes of the shrines.
15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. 16 "He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. 17 But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you. 18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside. 19 Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress? 20 Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes.[13] 21 Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction. 22 "God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him? 23 Who has prescribed his ways for him, or said to him, 'You have done wrong'?
24 Remember to extol his work, which people have praised in song. 25 All humanity has seen it; mortals gaze on it from afar. 26 How great is God-beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out. 27 "He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams[14] ; 28 the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind. 29 Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion? 30 See how he scatters his lightning about him, bathing the depths of the sea. 31 This is the way he governs[15] the nations and provides food in abundance. 32 He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. 33 His thunder announces the coming storm; even the cattle make known its approach.[16]
371 "At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place. 2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. 4 After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. 5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
6 He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' 7 So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.[17] 8 The animals take cover; they remain in their dens. 9 The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. 10 The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. 11 He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. 12 At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. 13 He brings the clouds to punish people, or to water his earth and show his love.
14 "Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. 15 Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? 16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? 17 You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, 18 can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze? 19 "Tell us what we should say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. 20 Should he be told that I want to speak? Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?
21 Now no one can look at the sun, bright as it is in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. 22 Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. 23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. 24 Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?[18] "
321 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young,
15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. 16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) 17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. 18 For I am full of matter,
331 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing,
14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose,
19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty
29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes
341 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
10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men
16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words. 17 Shall even he that hateth right govern
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.
351 Elihu spake moreover, and said, 2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? 3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? 4 I will answer
9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? 12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. 15 But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity: 16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
361 Elihu also proceeded, and said, 2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. 3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
15 He delivereth the poor
24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. 25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. 26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. 27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: 28 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. 29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? 30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom
371 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. 2 Hear
6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. 7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. 8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. 9 Out of the south
14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? 16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? 17 How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? 18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? 19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. 20 Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21 And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. 22 Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. 23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. 24 Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
321 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: "I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. 7 I said, 'Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.' 8 But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. 9 It is not the old
15 "They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say. 16 And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? 17 I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion. 18 For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. 19 Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. 20 I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. 21 I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. 22 For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.
331 "But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words. 2 Behold, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks. 3 My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely. 4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand. 6 Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too was pinched off from a piece of clay. 7 Behold, no fear of me need terrify you; my pressure will not be heavy upon you.
8 "Surely you have spoken in my ears, and I have heard the sound of your words. 9 You say, 'I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me. 10 Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy, 11 he puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.' 12 "Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. 13 Why do you contend against him, saying, 'He will answer none of man's
14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, 16 then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, 17 that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; 18 he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.
19 "Man is also rebuked with pain on his bed and with continual strife in his bones, 20 so that his life loathes bread, and his appetite the choicest food. 21 His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen, and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 His soul draws near the pit, and his life to those who bring death. 23 If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him, 24 and he is merciful to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; 25 let his flesh become fresh with youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor'; 26 then man
29 "Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, 30 to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be lighted with the light of life. 31 Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. 32 If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. 33 If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
341 Then Elihu answered and said: 2 "Hear my words, you wise men, and give ear to me, you who know; 3 for the ear tests words as the palate tastes food. 4 Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 For Job has said, 'I am in the right, and God has taken away my right; 6 in spite of my right I am counted a liar; my wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.' 7 What man is like Job, who drinks up scoffing like water, 8 who travels in company with evildoers and walks with wicked men? 9 For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.'
10 "Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. 11 For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him. 12 Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. 13 Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him
16 "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. 17 Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty, 18 who says to a king, 'Worthless one,' and to nobles, 'Wicked man,' 19 who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? 20 In a moment they die; at midnight the people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are taken away by no human hand. 21 "For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. 22 There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves. 23 For God
31 "For has anyone said to God, 'I have borne punishment; I will not offend any more; 32 teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'? 33 Will he then make repayment to suit you, because you reject it? For you must choose, and not I; therefore declare what you know.
351 And Elihu answered and said: 2 "Do you think this to be just? Do you say, 'It is my right before God,' 3 that you ask, 'What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?' 4 I will answer you and your friends with you. 5 Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you. 6 If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Or what does he receive from your hand? 8 Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself, and your righteousness a son of man.
9 "Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.
14 How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him! 15 And now, because his anger does not punish, and he does not take much note of transgression,
361 And Elihu continued, and said: 2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God's behalf. 3 I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5 "Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. 6 He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right. 7 He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne he sets them forever, and they are exalted. 8 And if they are bound in chains and caught in the cords of affliction, 9 then he declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly. 10 He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity. 11 If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. 12 But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. 13 "The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them. 14 They die in youth, and their life ends among the cult prostitutes.
15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity. 16 He also allured you out of distress into a broad place where there was no cramping, and what was set on your table was full of fatness. 17 "But you are full of the judgment on the wicked; judgment and justice seize you. 18 Beware lest wrath entice you into scoffing, and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside. 19 Will your cry for help avail to keep you from distress, or all the force of your strength? 20 Do not long for the night, when peoples vanish in their place. 21 Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction. 22 Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him? 23 Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, 'You have done wrong'?
24 "Remember to extol his work, of which men have sung. 25 All mankind has looked on it; man beholds it from afar. 26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable. 27 For he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain, 28 which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly. 29 Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion? 30 Behold, he scatters his lightning about him and covers the roots of the sea. 31 For by these he judges peoples; he gives food in abundance. 32 He covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark. 33 Its crashing declares his presence;
371 "At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place. 2 Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth. 4 After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice, and he does not restrain the lightnings
6 For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour. 7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he made may know it. 8 Then the beasts go into their lairs, and remain in their dens. 9 From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. 11 He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightning. 12 They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the habitable world. 13 Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.
14 "Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine? 16 Do you know the balancings
21 "And now no one looks on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them. 22 Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty. 23 The Almighty--we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. 24 Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit."
321 Job's three friends now fell silent. They were talked out, stymied because Job wouldn't budge an inch - wouldn't admit to an ounce of guilt. 2 Then Elihu lost his temper. (Elihu was the son of Barakel the Buzite from the clan of Ram.) He blazed out in anger against Job for pitting his righteousness against God's. 3 He was also angry with the three friends because they had neither come up with an answer nor proved Job wrong. 4 Elihu had waited with Job while they spoke because they were all older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three other men had exhausted their arguments, he exploded with pent-up anger.
6 This is what Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, said: "I'm a young man, and you are all old and experienced. That's why I kept quiet and held back from joining the discussion. 7 I kept thinking, 'Experience will tell. The longer you live, the wiser you become.' 8 But I see I was wrong - it's God's Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible. 9 The experts have no corner on wisdom; getting old doesn't guarantee good sense. 10 So I've decided to speak up. Listen well! I'm going to tell you exactly what I think. 11 "I hung on your words while you spoke, listened carefully to your arguments. While you searched for the right words, 12 I was all ears. And now what have you proved? Nothing. Nothing you say has even touched Job. 13 And don't excuse yourselves by saying, 'We've done our best. Now it's up to God to talk sense into him.' 14 Job has yet to contend with me. And rest assured, I won't be using your arguments!
15 "Do you three have nothing else to say? Of course you don't! You're total frauds! 16 Why should I wait any longer, now that you're stopped dead in your tracks? 17 I'm ready to speak my piece. That's right! It's my turn - and it's about time! 18 I've got a lot to say, and I'm bursting to say it. 19 The pressure has built up, like lava beneath the earth. I'm a volcano ready to blow. 20 I have to speak - I have no choice. I have to say what's on my heart, 21 And I'm going to say it straight - the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 22 I was never any good at bootlicking; my Maker would make short work of me if I started in now!
331 "So please, Job, hear me out, honor me by listening to me. 2 What I'm about to say has been carefully thought out. 3 I have no ulterior motives in this; I'm speaking honestly from my heart. 4 The Spirit of God made me what I am, the breath of God Almighty gave me life! God Always Answers, One Way or Another 5 "And if you think you can prove me wrong, do it. Lay out your arguments. Stand up for yourself! 6 Look, I'm human - no better than you; we're both made of the same kind of mud. 7 So let's work this through together; don't let my aggressiveness overwhelm you.
8 "Here's what you said. I heard you say it with my own ears. 9 You said, 'I'm pure - I've done nothing wrong. Believe me, I'm clean - my conscience is clear. 10 But God keeps picking on me; he treats me like I'm his enemy. 11 He's thrown me in jail; he keeps me under constant surveillance.' 12 "But let me tell you, Job, you're wrong, dead wrong! God is far greater than any human. 13 So how dare you haul him into court, and then complain that he won't answer your charges?
14 God always answers, one way or another, even when people don't recognize his presence. 15 "In a dream, for instance, a vision at night, when men and women are deep in sleep, fast asleep in their beds - 16 God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings 17 To turn them back from something bad they're planning, from some reckless choice, 18 And keep them from an early grave, from the river of no return.
19 "Or, God might get their attention through pain, by throwing them on a bed of suffering, 20 So they can't stand the sight of food, have no appetite for their favorite treats. 21 They lose weight, wasting away to nothing, reduced to a bag of bones. 22 They hang on the cliff-edge of death, knowing the next breath may be their last. 23 "But even then an angel could come, a champion - there are thousands of them! - to take up your cause, 24 A messenger who would mercifully intervene, canceling the death sentence with the words: 'I've come up with the ransom!' 25 Before you know it, you're healed, the very picture of health! 26 "Or, you may fall on your knees and pray - to God's delight! You'll see God's smile and celebrate, finding yourself set right with God. 27 You'll sing God's praises to everyone you meet, testifying, 'I messed up my life - and let me tell you, it wasn't worth it. 28 But God stepped in and saved me from certain death. I'm alive again! Once more I see the light!'
29 "This is the way God works. Over and over again 30 He pulls our souls back from certain destruction so we'll see the light - and live in the light! 31 "Keep listening, Job. Don't interrupt - I'm not finished yet. 32 But if you think of anything I should know, tell me. There's nothing I'd like better than to see your name cleared. 33 Meanwhile, keep listening. Don't distract me with interruptions. I'm going to teach you the basics of wisdom."
341 Elihu continued: 2 "So, my fine friends - listen to me, and see what you think of this. 3 Isn't it just common sense - as common as the sense of taste - 4 To put our heads together and figure out what's going on here? 5 "We've all heard Job say, 'I'm in the right, but God won't give me a fair trial. 6 When I defend myself, I'm called a liar to my face. I've done nothing wrong, and I get punished anyway.' 7 Have you ever heard anything to beat this? Does nothing faze this man Job? 8 Do you think he's spent too much time in bad company, hanging out with the wrong crowd, 9 So that now he's parroting their line: 'It doesn't pay to try to please God'?
10 "You're veterans in dealing with these matters; certainly we're of one mind on this. It's impossible for God to do anything evil; no way can the Mighty One do wrong. 11 He makes us pay for exactly what we've done - no more, no less. Our chickens always come home to roost. 12 It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice. 13 He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand! 14 If he decided to hold his breath, 15 every man, woman, and child would die for lack of air. God Is Working Behind the Scenes
16 "So, Job, use your head; this is all pretty obvious. 17 Can someone who hates order, keep order? Do you dare condemn the righteous, mighty God? 18 Doesn't God always tell it like it is, exposing corrupt rulers as scoundrels and criminals? 19 Does he play favorites with the rich and famous and slight the poor? Isn't he equally responsible to everybody? 20 Don't people who deserve it die without notice? Don't wicked rulers tumble to their doom? When the so-called great ones are wiped out, we know God is working behind the scenes. 21 "He has his eyes on every man and woman. He doesn't miss a trick. 22 There is no night dark enough, no shadow deep enough, to hide those who do evil. 23 God doesn't need to gather any more evidence; their sin is an open-and-shut case. 24 He deposes the so-called high and mighty without asking questions, and replaces them at once with others. 25 Nobody gets by with anything; overnight, judgment is signed, sealed, and delivered. 26 He punishes the wicked for their wickedness out in the open where everyone can see it, 27 Because they quit following him, no longer even thought about him or his ways. 28 Their apostasy was announced by the cry of the poor; the cry of the afflicted got God's attention. Because You Refuse to Live on God's Terms 29 "If God is silent, what's that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he's there, ruling, 30 so that those who hate God won't take over and ruin people's lives.
31 "So why don't you simply confess to God? Say, 'I sinned, but I'll sin no more. 32 Teach me to see what I still don't see. Whatever evil I've done, I'll do it no more.' 33 Just because you refuse to live on God's terms, do you think he should start living on yours? You choose. I can't do it for you. Tell me what you decide. 34 "All right-thinking people say - and the wise who have listened to me concur - 35 'Job is an ignoramus. He talks utter nonsense.' 36 Job, you need to be pushed to the wall and called to account for wickedly talking back to God the way you have. 37 You've compounded your original sin by rebelling against God's discipline, Defiantly shaking your fist at God, piling up indictments against the Almighty One."
351 Elihu lit into Job again: 2 "Does this kind of thing make any sense? First you say, 'I'm perfectly innocent before God.' 3 And then you say, 'It doesn't make a bit of difference whether I've sinned or not.' 4 "Well, I'm going to show you that you don't know what you're talking about, neither you nor your friends. 5 Look up at the sky. Take a long hard look. See those clouds towering above you? 6 If you sin, what difference could that make to God? No matter how much you sin, will it matter to him? 7 Even if you're good, what would God get out of that? Do you think he's dependent on your accomplishments? 8 The only ones who care whether you're good or bad are your family and friends and neighbors. God's not dependent on your behavior.
9 "When times get bad, people cry out for help. They cry for relief from being kicked around, 10 But never give God a thought when things go well, when God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts, 11 When God sets out the entire creation as a science classroom, using birds and beasts to teach wisdom. 12 People are arrogantly indifferent to God - until, of course, they're in trouble, and then God is indifferent to them. 13 There's nothing behind such prayers except panic; the Almighty pays them no mind.
14 So why would he notice you just because you say you're tired of waiting to be heard, 15 Or waiting for him to get good and angry and do something about the world's problems? 16 "Job, you talk sheer nonsense - nonstop nonsense!"
361 Here Elihu took a deep breath, but kept going: 2 "Stay with me a little longer. I'll convince you. There's still more to be said on God's side. 3 I learned all this firsthand from the Source; everything I know about justice I owe to my Maker himself. 4 Trust me, I'm giving you undiluted truth; believe me, I know these things inside and out.
5 "It's true that God is all-powerful, but he doesn't bully innocent people. 6 For the wicked, though, it's a different story - he doesn't give them the time of day, but champions the rights of their victims. 7 He never takes his eyes off the righteous; he honors them lavishly, promotes them endlessly. 8 When things go badly, when affliction and suffering descend, 9 God tells them where they've gone wrong, shows them how their pride has caused their trouble. 10 He forces them to heed his warning, tells them they must repent of their bad life. 11 If they obey and serve him, they'll have a good, long life on easy street. 12 But if they disobey, they'll be cut down in their prime and never know the first thing about life. 13 Angry people without God pile grievance upon grievance, always blaming others for their troubles. 14 Living it up in sexual excesses, virility wasted, they die young.
15 But those who learn from their suffering, God delivers from their suffering. Obsessed with Putting the Blame on God 16 "Oh, Job, don't you see how God's wooing you from the jaws of danger? How he's drawing you into wide-open places - inviting you to feast at a table laden with blessings? 17 And here you are laden with the guilt of the wicked, obsessed with putting the blame on God! 18 Don't let your great riches mislead you; don't think you can bribe your way out of this. 19 Did you plan to buy your way out of this? Not on your life! 20 And don't think that night, when people sleep off their troubles, will bring you any relief. 21 Above all, don't make things worse with more evil - that's what's behind your suffering as it is! 22 "Do you have any idea how powerful God is? Have you ever heard of a teacher like him? 23 Has anyone ever had to tell him what to do, or correct him, saying, 'You did that all wrong!'?
24 Remember, then, to praise his workmanship, which is so often celebrated in song. 25 Everybody sees it; nobody is too far away to see it. No One Can Escape from God 26 "Take a long, hard look. See how great he is - infinite, greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out! 27 "He pulls water up out of the sea, distills it, and fills up his rain-cloud cisterns. 28 Then the skies open up and pour out soaking showers on everyone. 29 Does anyone have the slightest idea how this happens? How he arranges the clouds, how he speaks in thunder? 30 Just look at that lightning, his sky-filling light show illumining the dark depths of the sea! 31 These are the symbols of his sovereignty, his generosity, his loving care. 32 He hurls arrows of light, taking sure and accurate aim. 33 The High God roars in the thunder, angry against evil.
371 "Whenever this happens, my heart stops - I'm stunned, I can't catch my breath. 2 Listen to it! Listen to his thunder, the rolling, rumbling thunder of his voice. 3 He lets loose his lightnings from horizon to horizon, lighting up the earth from pole to pole. 4 In their wake, the thunder echoes his voice, powerful and majestic. He lets out all the stops, he holds nothing back. No one can mistake that voice - 5 His word thundering so wondrously, his mighty acts staggering our understanding.
6 He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!' and the rain, 'Soak the whole countryside!' 7 No one can escape the weather - it's there. And no one can escape from God. 8 Wild animals take shelter, crawling into their dens, 9 When blizzards roar out of the north and freezing rain crusts the land. 10 It's God's breath that forms the ice, it's God's breath that turns lakes and rivers solid. 11 And yes, it's God who fills clouds with rainwater and hurls lightning from them every which way. 12 He puts them through their paces - first this way, then that - commands them to do what he says all over the world. 13 Whether for discipline or grace or extravagant love, he makes sure they make their mark. A Terrible Beauty Streams from God
14 "Job, are you listening? Have you noticed all this? Stop in your tracks! Take in God's miracle-wonders! 15 Do you have any idea how God does it all, how he makes bright lightning from dark storms, 16 How he piles up the cumulus clouds - all these miracle-wonders of a perfect Mind? 17 Why, you don't even know how to keep cool on a sweltering hot day, 18 So how could you even dream of making a dent in that hot-tin-roof sky? 19 "If you're so smart, give us a lesson in how to address God. We're in the dark and can't figure it out. 20 Do you think I'm dumb enough to challenge God? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?
21 No one in his right mind stares straight at the sun on a clear and cloudless day. 22 As gold comes from the northern mountains, so a terrible beauty streams from God. 23 "Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It's unthinkable that he'd treat anyone unfairly. 24 So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you're wise, you'll most certainly worship him."
321 So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God. 3 Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job. 5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused.
6 So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: "I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you. 7 I said, 'Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.' 8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice. 10 "Therefore I say, 'Listen to me, I also will declare my opinion.' 11 Indeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say. 12 I paid close attention to you; And surely not one of you convinced Job, Or answered his words-- 13 Lest you say, 'We have found wisdom'; God will vanquish him, not man. 14 Now he has not directed his words against me; So I will not answer him with your words.
15 "They are dismayed and answer no more; Words escape them. 16 And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more. 17 I also will answer my part, I too will declare my opinion. 18 For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me. 19 Indeed my belly is like wine that has no vent; It is ready to burst like new wineskins. 20 I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man. 22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.
331 "But please, Job, hear my speech, And listen to all my words. 2 Now, I open my mouth; My tongue speaks in my mouth. 3 My words come from my upright heart; My lips utter pure knowledge. 4 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 If you can answer me, Set your words in order before me; Take your stand. 6 Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay. 7 Surely no fear of me will terrify you, Nor will my hand be heavy on you.
8 "Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words, saying, 9 'I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me. 10 Yet He finds occasions against me, He counts me as His enemy; 11 He puts my feet in the stocks, He watches all my paths.' 12 "Look, in this you are not righteous. I will answer you, For God is greater than man. 13 Why do you contend with Him? For He does not give an accounting of any of His words.
14 For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, 16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction. 17 In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man, 18 He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.
19 "Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones, 20 So that his life abhors bread, And his soul succulent food. 21 His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones stick out which once were not seen. 22 Yes, his soul draws near the Pit, And his life to the executioners. 23 "If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, 24 Then He is gracious to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom'; 25 His flesh shall be young like a child's, He shall return to the days of his youth. 26 He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness. 27 Then he looks at men and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.' 28 He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light.
29 "Behold, God works all these things, Twice, in fact, three times with a man, 30 To bring back his soul from the Pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life. 31 "Give ear, Job, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will speak. 32 If you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. 33 If not, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom."
341 Elihu further answered and said: 2 "Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge. 3 For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food. 4 Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 "For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice; 6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.' 7 What man is like Job, Who drinks scorn 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 That he should delight in God.'
10 "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity. 11 For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way. 12 Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice. 13 Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the whole world? 14 If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath, 15 All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.
16 "If you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words: 17 Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just? 18 Is it fitting to say to a king, 'You are worthless,' And to nobles, 'You are wicked'? 19 Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands. 20 In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand. 21 "For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps. 22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment. 24 He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place. 25 Therefore he knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed. 26 He strikes 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 caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted. 29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?-- 30 That the hypocrite should not reign, Lest the people be ensnared.
31 "For has anyone said to God, ' I have borne chastening; I will offend no more; 32 Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more'? 33 Should He repay it according to your terms, Just because you disavow it? You must choose, and not I; Therefore speak what you know. 34 "Men of understanding say to me, Wise men who listen to me: 35 'Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.' 36 Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of wicked men! 37 For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God."
351 Moreover Elihu answered and said: 2 "Do you think this is right? Do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's'? 3 For you say, 'What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?' 4 "I will answer you, And your companions with you. 5 Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds-- They are higher than you. 6 If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? 8 Your wickedness affects a man such as you, And your righteousness a son of man.
9 "Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty. 10 But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night, 11 Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?' 12 There they cry out, but He does not answer, Because of the pride of evil men. 13 Surely God will not listen to empty talk, Nor will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although you say you do not see Him, Yet justice is before Him, and you must wait for Him. 15 And now, because He has not punished in His anger, Nor taken much notice of folly, 16 Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain; He multiplies words without knowledge."
361 Elihu also proceeded and said: 2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you That there are yet words to speak on God's behalf. 3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5 "Behold, God is mighty, but despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding. 6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed. 7 He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; But they are on the throne with kings, For He has seated them forever, And they are exalted. 8 And if they are bound in fetters, Held in the cords of affliction, 9 Then He tells them their work and their transgressions-- That they have acted defiantly. 10 He also opens their ear to instruction, And commands that they turn from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve Him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures. 12 But if they do not obey, They shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge. 13 "But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath; They do not cry for help when He binds them. 14 They die in youth, And their life ends among the perverted persons.
15 He delivers the poor in their affliction, And opens their ears in oppression. 16 "Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress, Into a broad place where there is no restraint; And what is set on your table would be full of richness. 17 But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked; Judgment and justice take hold of you. 18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with one blow; For a large ransom would not help you avoid it. 19 Will your riches, Or all the mighty forces, Keep you from distress? 20 Do not desire the night, When people are cut off in their place. 21 Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, For you have chosen this rather than affliction. 22 "Behold, God is exalted by His power; Who teaches like Him? 23 Who has assigned Him His way, Or who has said, 'You have done wrong'?
24 "Remember to magnify His work, Of which men have sung. 25 Everyone has seen it; Man looks on it from afar. 26 "Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered. 27 For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, 28 Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. 29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy? 30 Look, He scatters his light upon it, And covers the depths of the sea. 31 For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance. 32 He covers His hands with lightning, And commands it to strike. 33 His thunder declares it, The cattle also, concerning the rising storm.
371 "At this also my heart trembles, And leaps from its place. 2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that comes from His mouth. 3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
6 For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth'; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7 He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. 8 The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs. 9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen. 11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. 12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. 13 He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy.
14 "Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Do you know when God dispatches them, And causes the light of His cloud to shine? 16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? 17 Why are your garments hot, When He quiets the earth by the south wind? 18 With Him, have you spread out the skies, Strong as a cast metal mirror? 19 "Teach us what we should say to Him, For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness. 20 Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up.
21 Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind has passed and cleared them. 22 He comes from the north as golden splendor; With God is awesome majesty. 23 As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. 24 Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart."
321 Job's three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence. 2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him. 3 He was also angry with Job's three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job's arguments. 4 Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.
6 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, "I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. 7 I thought, 'Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.' 8 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. 9 Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. 10 So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think. 11 "I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words. 12 I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments. 13 And don't tell me, 'He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.' 14 If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with your kind of logic!
15 You sit there baffled, with nothing more to say. 16 Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent? 17 No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind. 18 For I am full of pent-up words, and the spirit within me urges me on. 19 I am like a cask of wine without a vent, like a new wineskin ready to burst! 20 I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers. 21 I won't play favorites or try to flatter anyone. 22 For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.
331 "Listen to my words, Job; pay attention to what I have to say. 2 Now that I have begun to speak, let me continue. 3 I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth. 4 For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand. 6 Look, you and I both belong to God. I, too, was formed from clay. 7 So you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't come down hard on you.
8 "You have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard your very words. 9 You said, 'I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt. 10 God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy. 11 He puts my feet in the stocks and watches my every move.' 12 "But you are wrong, and I will show you why. For God is greater than any human being. 13 So why are you bringing a charge against him? Why say he does not respond to people's complaints?
14 For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. 15 He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. 16 He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. 17 He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride. 18 He protects them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.
19 "Or God disciplines people with pain on their sickbeds, with ceaseless aching in their bones. 20 They lose their appetite for even the most delicious food. 21 Their flesh wastes away, and their bones stick out. 22 They are at death's door; the angels of death wait for them. 23 "But if an angel from heaven appears- a special messenger to intercede for a person and declare that he is upright- 24 he will be gracious and say, 'Rescue him from the grave, for I have found a ransom for his life.' 25 Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again. 26 When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing. 27 He will declare to his friends, 'I sinned and twisted the truth, but it was not worth it. 28 God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.'
29 "Yes, God does these things again and again for people. 30 He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. 31 Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say. 32 But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. 33 But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!"
341 Then Elihu said: 2 "Listen to me, you wise men. Pay attention, you who have knowledge. 3 Job said, 'The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.' 4 So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. 5 For Job also said, 'I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights. 6 I am innocent, but they call me a liar. My suffering is incurable, though I have not sinned.' 7 "Tell me, has there ever been a man like Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk? 8 He chooses evil people as companions. He spends his time with wicked men. 9 He has even said, 'Why waste time trying to please God?'
10 "Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong. 11 He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve. 12 Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice. 13 Did someone else put the world in his care? Who set the whole world in place? 14 If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, 15 all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust.
16 "Now listen to me if you are wise. Pay attention to what I say. 17 Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty judge? 18 For he says to kings, 'You are wicked,' and to nobles, 'You are unjust.' 19 He doesn't care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all. 20 In a moment they die. In the middle of the night they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. 21 "For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. 22 No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes. 23 We don't set the time when we will come before God in judgment. 24 He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone, and he sets up others in their place. 25 He knows what they do, and in the night he overturns and destroys them. 26 He strikes them down because they are wicked, doing it openly for all to see. 27 For they turned away from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways. 28 They cause the poor to cry out, catching God's attention. He hears the cries of the needy. 29 But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation. 30 He prevents the godless from ruling so they cannot be a snare to the people.
31 "Why don't people say to God, 'I have sinned, but I will sin no more'? 32 Or 'I don't know what evil I have done-tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once'? 33 "Must God tailor his justice to your demands? But you have rejected him! The choice is yours, not mine. Go ahead, share your wisdom with us. 34 After all, bright people will tell me, and wise people will hear me say, 35 'Job speaks out of ignorance; his words lack insight.' 36 Job, you deserve the maximum penalty for the wicked way you have talked. 37 For you have added rebellion to your sin; you show no respect, and you speak many angry words against God."
351 Then Elihu said: 2 "Do you think it is right for you to claim, 'I am righteous before God'? 3 For you also ask, 'What's in it for me? What's the use of living a righteous life?' 4 "I will answer you and all your friends, too. 5 Look up into the sky, and see the clouds high above you. 6 If you sin, how does that affect God? Even if you sin again and again, what effect will it have on him? 7 If you are good, is this some great gift to him? What could you possibly give him? 8 No, your sins affect only people like yourself, and your good deeds also affect only humans.
9 "People cry out when they are oppressed. They groan beneath the power of the mighty. 10 Yet they don't ask, 'Where is God my Creator, the one who gives songs in the night? 11 Where is the one who makes us smarter than the animals and wiser than the birds of the sky?' 12 And when they cry out, God does not answer because of their pride. 13 But it is wrong to say God doesn't listen, to say the Almighty isn't concerned.
14 You say you can't see him, but he will bring justice if you will only wait. 15 You say he does not respond to sinners with anger and is not greatly concerned about wickedness. 16 But you are talking nonsense, Job. You have spoken like a fool."
361 Elihu continued speaking: 2 "Let me go on, and I will show you the truth. For I have not finished defending God! 3 I will present profound arguments for the righteousness of my Creator. 4 I am telling you nothing but the truth, for I am a man of great knowledge.
5 "God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone! He is mighty in both power and understanding. 6 He does not let the wicked live but gives justice to the afflicted. 7 He never takes his eyes off the innocent, but he sets them on thrones with kings and exalts them forever. 8 If they are bound in chains and caught up in a web of trouble, 9 he shows them the reason. He shows them their sins of pride. 10 He gets their attention and commands that they turn from evil. 11 "If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. 12 But if they refuse to listen to him, they will cross over the river of death, dying from lack of understanding. 13 For the godless are full of resentment. Even when he punishes them, they refuse to cry out to him for help. 14 They die when they are young, after wasting their lives in immoral living.
15 But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity. 16 "God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. 17 But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don't worry, judgment and justice will be upheld. 18 But watch out, or you may be seduced by wealth. Don't let yourself be bribed into sin. 19 Could all your wealth or all your mighty efforts keep you from distress? 20 Do not long for the cover of night, for that is when people will be destroyed. 21 Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil. 22 "Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? 23 No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, 'You have done wrong.'
24 Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise. 25 Everyone has seen these things, though only from a distance. 26 "Look, God is greater than we can understand. His years cannot be counted. 27 He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. 28 The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits. 29 Who can understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunder that rolls forth from heaven? 30 See how he spreads the lightning around him and how it lights up the depths of the sea. 31 By these mighty acts he nourishes the people, giving them food in abundance. 32 He fills his hands with lightning bolts and hurls each at its target. 33 The thunder announces his presence; the storm announces his indignant anger.
371 "My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me. 2 Listen carefully to the thunder of God's voice as it rolls from his mouth. 3 It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction. 4 Then comes the roaring of the thunder- the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks. 5 God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We can't even imagine the greatness of his power.
6 "He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. 7 Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power. 8 The wild animals take cover and stay inside their dens. 9 The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold. 10 God's breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. 11 He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning. 12 The clouds churn about at his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth. 13 He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love.
14 "Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God! 15 Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds? 16 Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill? 17 When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still, 18 he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror. Can you do that? 19 "So teach the rest of us what to say to God. We are too ignorant to make our own arguments. 20 Should God be notified that I want to speak? Can people even speak when they are confused?
21 We cannot look at the sun, for it shines brightly in the sky when the wind clears away the clouds. 22 So also, golden splendor comes from the mountain of God. He is clothed in dazzling splendor. 23 We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us. 24 No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence. "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 1:0
Complete ConciseChapter Contents
The piety and prosperity of Job. (1-5) Satan obtains leave to try Job. (6-12) The loss of Job's property, and the death of his children. (13-19) Job's patience and piety. (20-22)
Commentary on Job 1:1-5
(Read Job 1:1-5)
Job was prosperous, and yet pious. Though it is hard and rare, it is not impossible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. By God's grace the temptations of worldly wealth may be overcome. The account of Job's piety and prosperity comes before the history of his great afflictions, showing that neither will secure from troubles. While Job beheld the harmony and comforts of his sons with satisfaction, his knowledge of the human heart made him fearful for them. He sent and sanctified them, reminding them to examine themselves, to confess their sins, to seek forgiveness; and as one who hoped for acceptance with God through the promised Saviour, he offered a burnt-offering for each. We perceive his care for their souls, his knowledge of the sinful state of man, his entire dependence on God's mercy in the way he had appointed.
Commentary on Job 1:6-12
(Read Job 1:6-12)
Job's afflictions began from the malice of Satan, by the Lord's permission, for wise and holy purposes. There is an evil spirit, the enemy of God, and of all righteousness, who is continually seeking to distress, to lead astray, and, if possible, to destroy those who love God. How far his influence may extend, we cannot say; but probably much unsteadiness and unhappiness in Christians may be ascribed to him. While we are on this earth we are within his reach. Hence it concerns us to be sober and vigilant, Revelation 20:1. He has no power to lead men to sin, but what they give him themselves; nor any power to afflict men, but what is given him from above. All this is here described to us after the manner of men. The Scripture speaks thus to teach us that God directs the affairs of the world.
Commentary on Job 1:13-19
(Read Job 1:13-19)
Satan brought Job's troubles upon him on the day that his children began their course of feasting. The troubles all came upon Job at once; while one messenger of evil tidings was speaking, another followed. His dearest and most valuable possessions were his ten children; news is brought him that they are killed. They were taken away when he had most need of them to comfort him under other losses. In God only have we a help present at all times.
Commentary on Job 1:20-22
(Read Job 1:20-22)
Job humbled himself under the hand of God. He reasons from the common state of human life, which he describes. We brought nothing of this world's goods into the world, but have them from others; and it is certain we can carry nothing out, but must leave them to others. Job, under all his losses, is but reduced to his first state. He is but where he must have been at last, and is only unclothed, or unloaded rather, a little sooner than he expected. If we put off our clothes before we go to bed, it is some inconvenience, but it may be the better borne when it is near bed-time. The same who gave hath taken away. See how Job looks above instruments, and keeps his eye upon the First Cause. Afflictions must not divert us from, but quicken us to religion. If in all our troubles we look to the Lord, he will support us. The Lord is righteous. All we have is from his gift; we have forfeited it by sin, and ought not to complain if he takes any part from us. Discontent and impatience charge God with folly. Against these Job carefully watched; and so must we, acknowledging that as God has done right, but we have done wickedly, so God has done wisely, but we have done very foolishly. And may the malice and power of Satan render that Saviour more precious to our souls, who came to destroy the works of the devil; who, for our salvation, suffered from that enemy far more than Job suffered, or we can think.