Job 35

¹ Then Elihu proceeded and said:

² Do you think it right to say, "I am just rather than God?"

³ To say, "What does it profit me; what advantage have I more than if I had sinned?"

⁴ I have words for a reply to you and your three companions as well.

⁵ Look up to the skies and behold; regard the heavens high above you.

⁶ If you sin, what injury do you do to God? Even if your offenses are many, how do you hurt him?

⁷ If you are righteous, what do you give him, or what does he receive from your hand?

⁸ Your wickedness can affect only a man like yourself; and your justice only a fellow human being.

⁹ In great oppression men cry out; they call for help because of the power of the mighty,

¹⁰ Saying, "Where is God, my Maker, who has given visions in the night,

¹¹ Taught us rather than the beasts of the earth, and made us wise rather than the birds of the heavens?"

¹² Though thus they cry out, he answers not against the pride of the wicked.

¹³ But it is idle to say God does not hear or that the Almighty does not take notice.

¹⁴ Even though you say that you see him not, the case is before him; with trembling should you wait upon him.

¹⁵ But now that you have done otherwise, God's anger punishes, nor does he show concern that a man will die.

¹⁶ Yet Job to no purpose opens his mouth, and without knowledge multiplies words.