Job 35:4-14

4 "Well, I'm going to show you that you don't know what you're talking about, neither you nor your friends.

5 Look up at the sky. Take a long hard look. See those clouds towering above you?

6 If you sin, what difference could that make to God? No matter how much you sin, will it matter to him?

7 Even if you're good, what would God get out of that? Do you think he's dependent on your accomplishments?

8 The only ones who care whether you're good or bad are your family and friends and neighbors. God's not dependent on your behavior.

9 "When times get bad, people cry out for help. They cry for relief from being kicked around,

10 But never give God a thought when things go well, when God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts,

11 When God sets out the entire creation as a science classroom, using birds and beasts to teach wisdom.

12 People are arrogantly indifferent to God - until, of course, they're in trouble, and then God is indifferent to them.

13 There's nothing behind such prayers except panic; the Almighty pays them no mind.

14 So why would he notice you just because you say you're tired of waiting to be heard,

Job 35:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 35

Is this chapter Elihu goes on to charge Job with other unbecoming speeches, which he undertakes to refute; as that he had represented his cause more just than God's, and religion and righteousness as things unprofitable to men, only to God; to which Elihu takes upon him to make answer, Job 35:1-8; and that the cries of the oppressed were not heard by the Lord, so as to give occasion to songs of praise and thankfulness, to which he replies, Job 35:9-13; and that Job had expressed diffidence and despair of ever seeing and enjoying the favour of God, which he endeavours to remove, Job 35:14-16.