Job 34:2-12

2 "Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

3 For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food.

4 Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good.

5 "For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice;

6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'

7 What man is like Job, Who drinks scorn like water,

8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men?

9 For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing That he should delight in God.'

10 "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.

11 For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way.

12 Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

Job 34:2-12 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.