Job 34:16-26

16 But if you have understanding, hear this; pay attention to the sound of my words.

17 Will one who hates justice rule; will you condemn the most righteous one?

18 Will you say to a king, "Worthless!" to royalty, "Evil!"

19 Who shows no favor to princes nor regards the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of God's hands?

20 In the middle of the night they suddenly die; people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are removed, not by a human hand.

21 God's eyes are on human ways, and he sees all their steps.

22 There's no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves;

23 surely no time is set for a person to appear before God in judgment.

24 He shatters the mighty without examining them; makes others take their place.

25 Thus he regards their deeds, overturns them at night, and they are crushed.

26 He strikes them because of their wickedness at a place where people can see it.

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.