Job 34:11-21

11 For he pays people back for what they do and sees that each gets what his conduct deserves.

12 It is certain that God does nothing wicked; Shaddai will not pervert justice.

13 Did someone else put him in charge of the earth? Who else established the entire world?

14 If he were to take back man's heart to himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and breath;

15 all flesh would instantly perish, everyone would return to dust.

16 "If you have any sense, [Iyov,] hear this; listen to what I am saying.

17 Should a hater of justice be in control? If you wouldn't tell a king, 'You're a scoundrel!'or nobles, 'You are wicked men!'then you shouldn't condemn the Just and Mighty One,

18

19 who is neither partial toward princes nor favors the rich over the poor, since they all are the work of his hands.

20 They may die in a moment, in the middle of the night -the people are shaken and pass away, the mighty are removed without human hands.

21 For he keeps watch on a person's ways; he sees his every step.

Job 34:11-21 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.