Job 34

King James Version

Full text for Job Chapter 34

1¶ Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

2Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

3For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.

4Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.

5For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.

6Should I lie against my right? my wound [is] incurable without transgression.

7What man [is] like Job, [who] drinketh up scorning like water?

8Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

9For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

10¶ Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.

11For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to [his] ways.

12Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

13Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?

14If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

15All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

16¶ If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.

17Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?

18[Is it fit] to say to a king, [Thou art] wicked? [and] to princes, [Ye are] ungodly?

19[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

20In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

21For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

22[There is] no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23For he will not lay upon man more [than right]; that he should enter into judgment with God.

24He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.

25Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth [them] in the night, so that they are destroyed.

26He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;

27Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

28So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

29When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only:

30That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

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.

34Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.

35Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words [were] without wisdom.

36My desire [is that] Job may be tried unto the end because of [his] answers for wicked men.

37For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Elihu begins by addressing wise men, refuting Job's claims of righteousness and God's injustice. He asserts God's absolute righteousness and power, stating that the Almighty never acts wickedly or perverts judgment. Elihu emphasizes that God renders to each person according to their ways and sees all their actions, punishing the wicked without partiality.

Medium Summary

Elihu calls upon men of understanding to hear his words, challenging Job's assertion that it profits a man nothing to delight in God. He vehemently declares that it is impossible for God or the Almighty to commit wickedness or iniquity, as He is the supreme ruler of the earth and judges all impartially. Elihu explains that God's eyes are upon all human ways, and no one can hide from Him, for He justly brings down the mighty and hears the cry of the afflicted. He suggests that Job should confess his iniquity and seek God's teaching, rather than speaking without knowledge and multiplying words against God.

Long Summary

Elihu opens his discourse by appealing to wise and knowledgeable men, asserting that words should be tested like food. He directly confronts Job's statements, particularly Job's claim of righteousness and that God has denied him justice, and Job's perceived scorn for God. Elihu strongly refutes any notion of God's wickedness or injustice, proclaiming that the Almighty cannot pervert judgment and renders to every man according to his works. He emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, stating that if God were to withdraw His spirit, all flesh would perish and return to dust. Elihu highlights God's impartiality, noting that He accepts not the persons of princes nor regards the rich more than the poor, for all are His creation. He stresses God's omniscience, affirming that no darkness can hide the workers of iniquity from His sight. God justly breaks down the mighty and sets others in their stead, punishing the wicked openly because they disregard His ways and cause the poor to cry out. Elihu concludes by suggesting that a proper response to God is confession and a plea for instruction, rather than Job's unlearned and rebellious words against the Almighty.

Core Concepts

  • Divine JusticeElihu asserts that God is inherently righteous and incapable of committing wickedness or perverting judgment, always acting justly in His dealings with humanity.
  • God's SovereigntyThe chapter emphasizes God's absolute rule over the earth and all creation, highlighting His supreme power over life and death, and His undisputed authority.
  • Impartial JudgmentGod is portrayed as one who does not show partiality, judging all individuals fairly regardless of their social status, treating the rich and poor alike.
  • Omniscience of GodElihu stresses that God's eyes are upon all human ways, and no darkness or shadow of death can conceal the actions of the wicked from His sight.
  • Accountability of ManThe principle is established that God renders to each person according to their deeds, ensuring that every individual finds recompense according to their ways.
  • Job's Perceived ErrorElihu critiques Job's words as lacking knowledge and wisdom, accusing him of speaking without understanding and multiplying rebellious words against God.