Job 34:7-17

7 What man is like Job? He drinks derision like water.^[a]

8 He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men.

9 For he has said, "A man gains nothing when he becomes God's friend."^[b]

10 Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God [to do] wrong, and [for] the Almighty [to act] unjustly.^[c]

11 For He repays a person [according to] his deeds, and He brings his ways on him.^[d]

12 Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly and the Almighty does not pervert justice.^[e]

13 Who gave Him authority over the earth? Who put Him in charge of the entire world?^[f]

14 If He put His mind to it and withdrew the spirit and breath^[g] He [gave],

15 every living thing would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.

16 If you [have] understanding, hear this; listen to what I have to say.

17 Could one who hates justice govern [the world]? Will you condemn the mighty 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Jb 15:16; Ps 44:13; 123:4
• [b]. Jb 9:21-31
• [c]. Gn 18:25
• [d]. Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27; Rm 2:6
• [e]. Jb 8:3; Isa 11:3-5
• [f]. Jb 38:4-6; Ps 50:12; Isa 40:12-14
• [g]. Gn 2:7; Ps 104:29; Ec 3:19; 12:7