|
[1] MOREOVER Elihu continued and said.
[2] Hear my words, O you wise men, and give ear to me, you that have knowledge.
[3] For the ear tries words, and the palate tastes food.
[4] Let us choose for us a judge; let him know among ourselves what is good.
[5] For Job has said, I am righteous; and God has turned aside my judgment.
[6] Who is the man who has perished without transgression?
[7] What man is like Job, who drinks up scorning like water?
[8] Who is a companion and friend of the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men?
[9] For he has said that a man is not justified because he fears God
[10] Therefore hearken to me, O you men of understanding; far be it from God that he should do wickedness; and far be it from him that he should commit iniquity.
[11] For he compensates a man according to his works, and causes every man to be rewarded according to his ways.
[12] Truly, God does not commit iniquity, neither does God pervert justice.
[13] Who has control over the earth? Or who has made all the world?
[14] If he should turn his heart against man, man's spirit and his breath will be gathered to him.
[15] Then all flesh would perish together, and man would return again to dust
[16] If now you have understanding, hear this; hearken to the voice of my words.
[17] He who hates justice cannot be declared innocent, and he who is innocent will not be condemned justly;
[18] He who says concerning the king that he is wicked, and yet he is a good ruler over princes and governors;
[19] And not partial to princes, and does not discriminate against the poor (for they are all the work of his hands);
[20] In a moment shall he die, and he shall be consumed at midnight, and pass away; he will be rendered powerless by the Almighty.
[21] For his eyes are upon all the ways of man, and he sees all his goings.
[22] There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
[23] For he has not set a time for a man that he should enter into judgment with God.
[24] For he has brought misfortune to many men without number, and sets others in their places.
[25] Therefore he knows them by their works, and he overturns them in the night.
[26] Their works shall be crushed under the weight of their wickedness in a land of terror;
[27] Because they turned aside from following him, and did not consider any of his ways.
[28] The prayer of the poor comes to him, and he hears the cry of the afflicted.
[29] When he forgives, who then can condemn? And when he turns his face away, who can forgive the people, or mankind altogether?
[30] He sees to it that an impious and wicked man shall not reign over the people
[31] For God has said, I have forgiven, I will not destroy men who are without sin.
[32] Inform me now, teach me, if you have committed iniquity;
[33] I will not answer you any more, because you have sinned, for you have been examined, and not I; therefore speak out what you know.
[34] Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken to me.
[35] Job has spoken without knowledge, and his words are without understanding.
[36] Truly, Job has been tested to the end, and yet he is not counted among the wicked.
[37] And if Job should add to his sins, then his transgression will affect us all, and he still will bring his complaint before God
|