1Furthermore Elihu answered and said , 2Hear my words , O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge . 3For the ear trieth words , as the mouth tasteth meat . 4Let us choose to us judgment : let us know among ourselves what is good .
God's Justice and Sovereignty
5For Job hath said , I am righteous : and God hath taken away my judgment . 6Should I lie against my right ? my wound is incurable without transgression . 7What man is like Job , who drinketh up scorning like water ? 8Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity , and walketh with wicked men . 9For he hath said , It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God .
The Nature of God’s Governance
10Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding : far be it from God , that he should do wickedness ; and from the Almighty , that he should commit iniquity . 11For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways . 12Yea, surely God will not do wickedly , neither will the Almighty pervert judgment . 13Who hath given him a charge over the earth ? or who hath disposed the whole world ? 14If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath ; 15All flesh shall perish together , and man shall turn again unto dust .
The Consequences of Sin
16If now thou hast understanding , hear this: hearken to the voice of my words . 17Shall even he that hateth right govern ? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just ? 18Is it fit to say to a king , Thou art wicked ? and to princes , Ye are ungodly ? 19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes , nor regardeth the rich more than the poor ? for they all are the work of his hands . 20In a moment shall they die , and the people shall be troubled at midnight , and pass away : and the mighty shall be taken away without hand .
The Call to Repentance
21For his eyes are upon the ways of man , and he seeth all his goings . 22There is no darkness , nor shadow of death , where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God . 24He shall break in pieces mighty men without number , and set others in their stead. 25Therefore he knoweth their works , and he overturneth them in the night , so that they are destroyed . 26He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; 27Because they turned back from him , and would not consider any of his ways : 28So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted . 29When he giveth quietness , who then can make trouble ? and when he hideth his face , who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation , or against a man only : 30That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared .
The Final Appeal
31Surely it is meet to be said unto God , I have borne chastisement , I will not offend any more: 32That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity , I will do no more. 33Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse , or whether thou choose ; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest . 34Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. 35Job hath spoken without knowledge , and his words were without wisdom . 36My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men . 37For he addeth rebellion unto his sin , he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God .