Job 34:7-17

7 Who is a man like Job? He drinks mockery like water

8 and travels a path with wrongdoers, walking with evil persons.

9 Indeed he said, "No one is rewarded for delighting in God."

10 Therefore, intelligent ones, hear me; far be it from God to do evil and the Almighty to sin,

11 for he repays people based on what they do, paying back everyone according to their ways.

12 Surely God doesn't act wickedly; the Almighty doesn't distort justice.

13 Who placed earth in his care, and who gave him dominion over the entire world?

14 If he were to decide to do it— to gather his spirit and breath back to himself—

15 all flesh would die together, and humans would return to dust.

16 But if you have understanding, hear this; pay attention to the sound of my words.

17 Will one who hates justice rule; will you condemn the most righteous one?

Job 34:7-17 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.