Job 34:31-37

31 “Suppose someone says to God, ‘I am guilty but will offend no more.

32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’

33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.

34 “Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

35 ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’

36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!

37 To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”

Job 34:31-37 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.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 51:5; Luke 15:21; Romans 7:24; 1 John 1:8,10
• 2. Exodus 33:13; Job 35:11; Job 38:36; Psalms 15:2; Psalms 25:4; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 51:6; Psalms 86:11; Psalms 139:23-24; Psalms 143:8
• 3. Job 33:27; S Luke 19:8
• 4. S 2 Kings 17:13; Job 33:23; Job 36:10,15,18,21; Job 41:11; Job 42:6; Proverbs 17:23; John 3:8
• 5. Job 35:16; Job 38:2; Job 42:3
• 6. Job 26:3
• 7. S Job 6:29; S Job 22:15
• 8. S Job 27:23
• 9. Job 35:16
• 10. Job 23:2