Job 35:5-15

5 Look up at the heavens. Observe the clouds that are high above you.

6 If you sin, what does that mean to God? If you sin many times, what does that do to him?

7 If you do what is right, how does that help him? What does he get from you?

8 The evil things you do only hurt someone like yourself. The right things you do only help other human beings.

9 "People cry out when they are beaten down. They beg to be set free from the power of those who are over them.

10 But no one says, 'Where is the God who made me? He gives us songs even during the night.

11 He teaches more to us than to wild animals. He makes us wiser than the birds of the air.'

12 He doesn't answer sinful people when they cry out to him. That's because they are so proud.

13 In fact, God doesn't listen to their empty cries. The Mighty One doesn't pay any attention to them.

14 So he certainly won't listen to you. When you say you don't see him, he won't hear you. He won't listen when you state your case to him. He won't pay attention even if you wait for him.

15 When you say his anger never punishes sin, he won't hear you. He won't listen when you say he doesn't pay any attention to evil.

Job 35:5-15 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.