Job 34:16-26

16 "If you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words:

17 Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?

18 Is it fitting to say to a king, 'You are worthless,' And to nobles, 'You are wicked'?

19 Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.

20 In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand.

21 "For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.

22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23 For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.

24 He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.

25 Therefore he knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed.

26 He strikes them as wicked men In the open sight of others,

Job 34:16-26 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.