Job 36:1-26

Elihu’s Fourth Speech

36:1 Elihu said further:

36:2 “Be patient with me a little longer

and I will instruct you,

for I still have words to speak on God’s behalf.

36:3 With my knowledge I will speak comprehensively,

and to my Creator I will ascribe righteousness.

36:4 For in truth, my words are not false;

it is one complete in knowledge

who is with you.

36:5 Indeed, God is mighty; and he does not despise people,

he is mighty, and firm in his intent.

36:6 He does not allow the wicked to live,

but he gives justice to the poor.

36:7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous;

but with kings on the throne

he seats the righteous and exalts them forever.

36:8 But if they are bound in chains,

and held captive by the cords of affliction,

36:9 then he reveals to them what they have done,

and their transgressions,

that they were behaving proudly.

36:10 And he reveals this for correction,

and says that they must turn from evil.

36:11 If they obey and serve him,

they live out their days in prosperity

and their years in pleasantness.

36:12 But if they refuse to listen,

they pass over the river of death,

and expire without knowledge.

36:13 The godless at heart nourish anger,

they do not cry out even when he binds them.

36:14 They die in their youth,

and their life ends among the male cultic prostitutes.

36:15 He delivers the afflicted by their afflictions,

he reveals himself to them by their suffering.

36:16 And surely, he drew you from the mouth of distress,

to a wide place, unrestricted,

and to the comfort of your table

filled with rich food.

36:17 But now you are preoccupied with the judgment due the wicked,

judgment and justice take hold of you.

36:18 Be careful that no one entices you with riches;

do not let a large bribe turn you aside.

36:19 Would your wealth sustain you,

so that you would not be in distress,

even all your mighty efforts?

36:20 Do not long for the cover of night

to drag people away from their homes.

36:21 Take heed, do not turn to evil,

for because of this you have been tested by affliction.

36:22 Indeed, God is exalted in his power;

who is a teacher like him?

36:23 Who has prescribed his ways for him?

Or said to him, ‘You have done what is wicked’?

36:24 Remember to extol his work,

which people have praised in song.

36:25 All humanity has seen it;

people gaze on it from afar.

The Work and Wisdom of God

36:26 “Yes, God is great – beyond our knowledge!

The number of his years is unsearchable.