Job 34:21-31

21 For His eyes [watch] over a man's ways, and He observes all his steps.^[a]

22 There is no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves.^[b]

23 God does not [need to] examine a person further, that one should^[c] approach Him in court.

24 He shatters^[d] the mighty without an investigation and sets others in their place.

25 Therefore, He recognizes their deeds and overthrows [them] by night, and they are crushed.

26 In full view of the public,^[e] He strikes them for their wickedness,

27 because they turned aside from following Him and did not understand any of His ways

28 but caused the poor to cry out to Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.^[f]

29 But when God is silent, who can declare [Him] guilty?^[g] When He hides [His] face, who can see Him? Yet He [watches] over both individuals and nations,

30 so that godless men should not rule or ensnare the people.

31 Suppose someone says to God, "I have endured [my punishment]; I will no [longer] act wickedly.

Job 34:21-31 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Jb 14:16; 24:23; 31:4
• [b]. Pr 15:3
• [c]. Some emend to God has not appointed a time for man to
• [d]. Ps 2:9
• [e]. Lit In a place of spectators
• [f]. Ex 3:7; 22:23
• [g]. Jb 34:17