Job 34:18-19

18 Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

19 who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

Job 34:18-19 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.

Job 34:18-19 In-Context

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

17 Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?

18 Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’

19 who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

20 They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

21 “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

Cross References

• 1. S Job 12:18
• 2. Exodus 22:28; Isaiah 40:24
• 3. Deuteronomy 10:17; S Job 13:10; S Acts 10:34
• 4. S Leviticus 19:15; James 2:5
• 5. S Job 10:3