Job 34:23-33

23 For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.

24 He breaketh in pieces mighty men [in ways] past finding out, And setteth others in their stead.

25 Therefore he taketh knowledge of their works; And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

26 He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others;

27 Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways:

28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted.

29 When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether [it be done] unto a nation, or unto a man:

30 That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.

31 For hath any said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]:

32 That which I see not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more?

33 Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest.

Job 34:23-33 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.