Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable.

For he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain,

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.

Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?

If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.

And Elihu continued, and said:

"Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.

He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne he sets them forever, and they are exalted.

"The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them.

And if they are bound in chains and caught in the cords of affliction,

Beware lest wrath entice you into scoffing, and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.

"Remember to extol his work, of which men have sung.

They die in youth, and their life ends among the cult prostitutes.

For by these he judges peoples; he gives food in abundance.

He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity.

He covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark.

For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.

Its crashing declares his presence; the cattle also declare that he rises.

Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion?

"Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God's behalf.

I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly.

then he declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly.

He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right.

All mankind has looked on it; man beholds it from afar.

Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction.

Will your cry for help avail to keep you from distress, or all the force of your strength?

"But you are full of the judgment on the wicked; judgment and justice seize you.

Behold, he scatters his lightning about him and covers the roots of the sea.

Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, 'You have done wrong'?

Do not long for the night, when peoples vanish in their place.