Job 34:9-19

9 For he has said, "A man gains nothing when he becomes God's friend."^[a]

10 Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God [to do] wrong, and [for] the Almighty [to act] unjustly.^[b]

11 For He repays a person [according to] his deeds, and He brings his ways on him.^[c]

12 Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly and the Almighty does not pervert justice.^[d]

13 Who gave Him authority over the earth? Who put Him in charge of the entire world?^[e]

14 If He put His mind to it and withdrew the spirit and breath^[f] He [gave],

15 every living thing would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.

16 If you [have] understanding, hear this; listen to what I have to say.

17 Could one who hates justice govern [the world]? Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One,

18 who says to a king, "Worthless man!" and to nobles, "Wicked men!"?^[g]

19 God is not partial to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands.^[h]

Job 34:9-19 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Jb 9:21-31
• [b]. Gn 18:25
• [c]. Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27; Rm 2:6
• [d]. Jb 8:3; Isa 11:3-5
• [e]. Jb 38:4-6; Ps 50:12; Isa 40:12-14
• [f]. Gn 2:7; Ps 104:29; Ec 3:19; 12:7
• [g]. Jb 12:21; 21:28; Ps 107:40
• [h]. Jb 31:15; Dt 10:17; Gl 2:6