Job 34:23-33

23 For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.

24 He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.

25 Therefore he knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed.

26 He strikes them as wicked men In the open sight of others,

27 Because they turned back from Him, And would not consider any of His ways,

28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.

29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?--

30 That the hypocrite should not reign, Lest the people be ensnared.

31 "For has anyone said to God, ' I have borne chastening; I will offend no more;

32 Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more'?

33 Should He repay it according to your terms, Just because you disavow it? You must choose, and not I; Therefore speak what you know.

Job 34:23-33 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.