Job 34:6-16

6 Should I lie against my right? My wound is incurable without transgression.

7 What man is like Job? he drinketh up scorning like water,

8 And goeth in company with workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

9 For he hath said, It profiteth not a man if he delight himself in God.

10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be wickedness from God, and wrong from the Almighty!

11 For a man's work will he render to him, and cause every one to find according to [his] way.

12 Yea, surely, God acteth not wickedly, and the Almighty perverteth not judgment.

13 Who hath entrusted to him the earth? and who hath disposed the whole world?

14 If he only thought of himself, [and] gathered unto him his spirit and his breath,

15 All flesh would expire together, and man would return to the dust.

16 If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: give ear to the voice of my words!

Job 34:6-16 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]. Lit. 'arrow.'
• [b]. As ver. 22; Ps. 5.5.
• [c]. Lit. 'heart;' so ver. 34; ch. 12.3.