Job 34:30-37

30 so that godless men should not rule or ensnare the people.

31 Suppose someone says to God, "I have endured [my punishment]; I will no [longer] act wickedly.

32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I won't do it again."

33 Should God repay [you] on your terms when you have rejected [His]? You must choose, not I! So declare what you know.

34 Reasonable men will say to me, along with the wise men who hear me,

35 "Job speaks without knowledge; his words are without insight."^[a]

36 If only Job were tested to the limit, because [his] answers are [like] those of wicked men.

37 For he adds rebellion to his sin; he [scornfully] claps in our presence, while multiplying his words against God.^[b]

Job 34:30-37 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]. Jb 35:16; 38:2; 42:3
• [b]. Jb 35:16; Isa 1:2