| New International Version (NIV) |
New International Version (NIV) |
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1 Then Elihu said:
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1 Then Elihu said:
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2 "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.
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2 "Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.
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3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
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3 For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
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4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
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4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
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5 "Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice.
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5 "Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice.
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6 Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'
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6 Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'
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7 What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?
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7 What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?
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8 He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.
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8 He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.
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9 For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.'
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9 For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.'
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10 "So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.
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10 "So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.
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11 He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.
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11 He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.
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12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
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12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
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13 Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?
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13 Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?
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14 If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
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14 If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
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15 all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.
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15 all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.
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16 "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
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16 "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
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17 Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?
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17 Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?
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18 Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'
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18 Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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21 "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.
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21 "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.
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22 There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.
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22 There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.
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23 God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.
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23 God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.
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24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.
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24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.
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25 Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
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25 Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
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26 He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,
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26 He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,
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27 because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.
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27 because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.
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28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.
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28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.
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29 But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over man and nation alike,
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29 But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over man and nation alike,
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30 to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.
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30 to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.
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31 "Suppose a man says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more.
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31 "Suppose a man says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more.
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32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'
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32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'
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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.
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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.
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34 "Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,
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34 "Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,
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35 'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'
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35 'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'
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36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!
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36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!
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37 To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."
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37 To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."
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| Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
