Job 34:12-22

12 Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, Neither will Shaddai pervert justice.

13 Who gave him a charge over the eretz? Or who has appointed him over the whole world?

14 If he set his heart on himself, If he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath;

15 All flesh would perish together, And man would turn again to dust.

16 "If now you have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words.

17 Shall even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty?--

18 Who says to a king, 'Vile!' Or to nobles, 'Wicked!'

19 Who doesn't respect the persons of princes, Nor regards the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.

20 In a moment they die, even at midnight; The people are shaken and pass away, The mighty are taken away without hand.

21 "For his eyes are on the ways of a man, He sees all his goings.

22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

Job 34:12-22 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.