Job 34:13-23

13 Who placed earth in his care, and who gave him dominion over the entire world?

14 If he were to decide to do it— to gather his spirit and breath back to himself—

15 all flesh would die together, and humans would return to dust.

16 But if you have understanding, hear this; pay attention to the sound of my words.

17 Will one who hates justice rule; will you condemn the most righteous one?

18 Will you say to a king, "Worthless!" to royalty, "Evil!"

19 Who shows no favor to princes nor regards the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of God's hands?

20 In the middle of the night they suddenly die; people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are removed, not by a human hand.

21 God's eyes are on human ways, and he sees all their steps.

22 There's no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves;

23 surely no time is set for a person to appear before God in judgment.

Job 34:13-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 34

In this chapter Elihu reassumes his discourse, and proceeds in his answer to Job, in which are first a preface exciting attention, Job 34:1-4; then a charge is brought against Job, expressed in or extracted from some words that dropped from his lips, not so well guarded, Job 34:5-9; a refutation of these expressions of his in a variety of arguments, Job 34:10-30; and the chapter is closed with some good advice to Job, Job 34:31-33; and with an earnest request of Elihu to men of understanding, to join with him in trying him to the uttermost, Job 34:34-37.