If only Job were tested to the limit,
because his answers are like those of wicked men.

“Job speaks without knowledge;
his words are without insight.”

For he adds rebellion to his sin;
he scornfully claps in our presence,
while multiplying his words against God.

If He put His mind to it
and withdrew the spirit and breath He gave,

Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding.
It is impossible for God to do wrong,
and for the Almighty to act unjustly.

For His eyes watch over a man’s ways,
and He observes all his steps.

Then Elihu continued, saying:

Doesn’t the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?

God is not partial to princes
and does not favor the rich over the poor,
for they are all the work of His hands.

every living thing would perish together
and mankind would return to the dust.

Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly
and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

For He repays a person according to his deeds,
and He brings his ways on him.

But when God is silent, who can declare Him guilty?
When He hides His face, who can see Him?
Yet He watches over both individuals and nations,

There is no darkness, no deep darkness,
where evildoers can hide themselves.

He shatters the mighty without an investigation
and sets others in their place.

Suppose someone says to God,
“I have endured my punishment;
I will no longer act wickedly.

Teach me what I cannot see;
if I have done wrong, I won’t do it again.”

They die suddenly in the middle of the night;
people shudder, then pass away.
Even the mighty are removed without effort.

who says to a king, “Worthless man!”
and to nobles, “Wicked men!”?

Hear my words, you wise men,
and listen to me, you knowledgeable ones.

What man is like Job?
He drinks derision like water.

For he has said, “A man gains nothing
when he becomes God’s friend.”

Could one who hates justice govern the world?
Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One,

but caused the poor to cry out to Him,
and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.

Who gave Him authority over the earth?
Who put Him in charge of the entire world?

For Job has declared, “I am righteous,
yet God has deprived me of justice.

Would I lie about my case?
My wound is incurable,
though I am without transgression.”

God does not need to examine a person further,
that one should approach Him in court.

Let us judge for ourselves what is right;
let us decide together what is good.

He keeps company with evildoers
and walks with wicked men.

so that godless men should not rule
or ensnare the people.

Therefore, He recognizes their deeds
and overthrows them by night, and they are crushed.

Reasonable men will say to me,
along with the wise men who hear me,

In full view of the public,
He strikes them for their wickedness,

Should God repay you on your terms
when you have rejected His?
You must choose, not I!
So declare what you know.

because they turned aside from following Him
and did not understand any of His ways

If you have understanding, hear this;
listen to what I have to say.