Job 34:26-36

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

27 Because they turned aside from following him, And wouldn't have regard in any of his ways:

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

29 When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? Alike whether to a nation, or to a man:

30 That the godless man may not reign, That there be no one to ensnare the people.

31 "For has any said to God, 'I am guilty, but I will not offend any more.

32 Teach me that which I don't see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?

33 Shall his recompense be as you desire, that you refuse it? For you must choose, and not I. Therefore speak what you know.

34 Men of understanding will tell me, Yes, every wise man who hears me:

35 'Iyov speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.'

36 I wish that Iyov were tried to the end, Because of his answering like wicked men.

Job 34:26-36 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.