Job 34:1-11

1 Elihu continued speaking:

2 "Hear my words, you sages! Listen to me, you who know so much!

3 For the ear tests words, just as the palate tastes food.

4 Let's choose for ourselves what is just; let's decide among ourselves what is good.

5 For Iyov says, 'I am in the right, but God is denying me justice.

6 Against justice, I am considered a liar; my wound is mortal, though I committed no crime.'

7 "Is there a man like Iyov, who drinks in scoffing like water,

8 who keeps company with evildoers and goes with wicked men,

9 since he thinks, 'It profits a person nothing to be in accord with God'?

10 "So listen to me, you men with sense! Far be it from God to do anything wicked!

11 For he pays people back for what they do and sees that each gets what his conduct deserves.

Job 34:1-11 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.