Job 34:28-37

28 causing the cry of the poor to reach him, he hears the cry of the afflicted.

29 Still, if he remains quiet, who can condemn; if he hides his face, who can see him?

30 He prevents a lawless person from ruling, from capturing people.

31 Has Job said to God, "I have borne punishment; I won't sin again?

32 You teach me what I can't see; if I've sinned, I won't do it again."

33 Will he repay you because you reject sin, for you must choose, not I; declare what you know.

34 Smart people say to me, the wise who hear me,

35 "Job speaks without knowledge; his words aren't astute."

36 I wish Job would be tested to the limit because he responds like evil people.

37 He adds rebellion to his sin; mocks us openly and adds to his words against God.

Job 34:28-37 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.