Job 34:17-27

17 Can someone who hates to be fair govern? Will you bring charges against the holy and mighty One?

18 He says to kings, 'You are worthless.' He says to nobles, 'You are evil.'

19 He doesn't favor princes. He treats rich people and poor people the same. His hands created all of them.

20 They die suddenly in the middle of the night. God strikes them down, and they pass away. Those who are mighty are removed, but not by human hands.

21 "His eyes see how people live. He watches every step they take.

22 There isn't a dark place or deep shadow where those who do what is evil can hide.

23 God doesn't need to bring charges against men. He knows they are guilty. So he doesn't need to have them appear in his court to be judged.

24 He destroys the mighty without asking them questions in court. Then he sets others up in their places.

25 He knows what they do. So he crushes them during the night.

26 He punishes them for the sins they commit. He does it where everyone can see them.

27 That's because they turned away from following him. They didn't have respect for anything he does.

Job 34:17-27 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.