Job 34:27-37

27 Because they have turned back from him, and would consider none of his ways;

28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

29 When he giveth quietness, who then will disturb? and when he hideth [his] face, who shall behold him? and this towards a nation, or towards a man alike;

30 That the ungodly man reign not, that the people be not ensnared.

31 For hath he said unto God, I bear [chastisement], I will not offend;

32 What I see not, teach thou me; if I have done wrong, I will do so no more?

33 Shall he recompense according to thy mind? for thou hast refused [his judgment]; for thou so choosest, and not I; speak then what thou knowest.

34 Men of understanding will say to me, and a wise man who heareth me:

35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were not with intelligence.

36 Would that Job may be tried unto the end, because of [his] answers after the manner of evil men!

37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Job 34:27-37 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]. Or 'condemn.'
• [b]. Or 'only.'
• [c]. i.e. Job.
• [d]. Lit. 'amongst.'
• [e]. Elsewhere 'transgression,' see ch. 7.21, but distinct from 'transgress,' 1Sam. 2.24.