Job 34:1-11

1 Then Elihu said:

2 “Listen to me, you wise men. Pay attention, you who have knowledge.

3 Job said, ‘The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.’

4 So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

5 For Job also said, ‘I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights.

6 I am innocent, but they call me a liar. My suffering is incurable, though I have not sinned.’

7 “Tell me, has there ever been a man like Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk?

8 He chooses evil people as companions. He spends his time with wicked men.

9 He has even said, ‘Why waste time trying to please God?’

10 “Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.

11 He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve.

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.