Job 34:24-34

24 He does not need an investigation to remove leaders and replace them with others.

25 Because he knows what they do; he overthrows them and crushes them by night.

26 He punishes sinners where all can see it,

27 because they have stopped following him and ignored all his commands.

28 They forced the poor to cry out to God, and he heard their calls for help.

29 If God decided to do nothing at all, no one could criticize him. If he hid his face, we would be helpless.

30 There would be nothing that nations could do to keep godless oppressors from ruling them.

31 Job, have you confessed your sins to God and promised not to sin again?

32 Have you asked God to show you your faults, and have you agreed to stop doing evil?

33 Since you object to what God does, can you expect him to do what you want? The decision is yours, not mine; tell us now what you think.

34 Any sensible person will surely agree; and the wise who hear me will say

Job 34:24-34 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.