1Elihu also proceeded , and said , 2Suffer me a little , and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf. 3I will fetch my knowledge from afar , and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker . 4For truly my words shall not be false : he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
God's Greatness and Justice
5Behold, God is mighty , and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom . 6He preserveth not the life of the wicked : but giveth right to the poor . 7He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous : but with kings are they on the throne ; yea, he doth establish them for ever , and they are exalted . 8And if they be bound in fetters , and be holden in cords of affliction ; 9Then he sheweth them their work , and their transgressions that they have exceeded . 10He openeth also their ear to discipline , and commandeth that they return from iniquity .
God's Discipline and Purpose
11If they obey and serve him , they shall spend their days in prosperity , and their years in pleasures . 12But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword , and they shall die without knowledge . 13But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath : they cry not when he bindeth them. 14They die in youth , and their life is among the unclean . 15He delivereth the poor in his affliction , and openeth their ears in oppression .
The Call to Repentance
16Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place , where there is no straitness ; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness . 17But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked : judgment and justice take hold on thee . 18Because there is wrath , beware lest he take thee away with his stroke : then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. 19Will he esteem thy riches ? no , not gold , nor all the forces of strength . 20Desire not the night , when people are cut off in their place. 21Take heed , regard not iniquity : for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction .
The Majesty of God in Creation
22Behold, God exalteth by his power : who teacheth like him? 23Who hath enjoined him his way ? or who can say , Thou hast wrought iniquity ? 24Remember that thou magnify his work , which men behold . 25Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off . 26Behold, God is great , and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out . 27For he maketh small the drops of water : they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: 28Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly . 29Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds , or the noise of his tabernacle ? 30Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea . 31For by them judgeth he the people ; he giveth meat in abundance . 32With clouds he covereth the light ; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt . 33The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour .