Job 34:12

12 It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice.

Job 34:12 Meaning and Commentary

Job 34:12

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly
This truth is repeated and affirmed in the strongest manner; or "will not condemn", as the Vulgate Latin version, and so the Targum, that is, he will not condemn the righteous; for, though he may afflict them, which is done that they may not be condemned with the world, he will not condemn them; for there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ; his righteousness, by which they are justified, secures them from all condemnation;

neither will the Almighty pervert judgment:
pronounce a wrong sentence, decline the execution of justice, swerve from the rule of it, or do a wrong thing; for he punishes wherever he finds it, either in the sinner or his surety; and his punishing it in his Son, as the surety of his people, is the strongest proof of his punitive justice that can be given: nor does he neglect to chastise his people for sin, though satisfied for; so far is he from conniving at sin, and still further from committing it; see (See Gill on Job 8:2).

Job 34:12 In-Context

10 "You're veterans in dealing with these matters; certainly we're of one mind on this. It's impossible for God to do anything evil; no way can the Mighty One do wrong.
11 He makes us pay for exactly what we've done - no more, no less. Our chickens always come home to roost.
12 It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice.
13 He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand!
14 If he decided to hold his breath,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.