34:1   Elihu said:

34:2   You men think you are wise, but just listen to me!

34:3   Think about my words, as you would taste food.

34:4   Then we can decide the case and give a just verdict.

34:5   Job claims he is innocent and God is guilty of mistreating him.

34:6   Job also argues that God considers him a liar and that he is suffering severely in spite of his innocence.

34:7   But to tell the truth, Job is shameless!

34:8   He spends his time with sinners,

34:9   because he has said, "It doesn't pay to please God."

34:10   If any of you are smart, you will listen and learn that God All-Powerful does what is right.

34:11   God always treats everyone the way they deserve,

34:12   and he is never unfair.

34:13   From the very beginning, God has been in control of all the world.

34:14   If God took back the breath that he breathed into us,

34:15   we humans would die and return to the soil.

34:16   So be smart and listen!

34:17   The mighty God is the one who brings about justice, and you are condemning him.

34:18   Indeed, God is the one who condemns unfair rulers.

34:19   And God created us all; he has no favorites, whether rich or poor.

34:20   Even powerful rulers die in the darkness of night when they least expect it, just like the rest of us.

34:21   God watches everything we do.

34:22   No evil person can hide in the deepest darkness.

34:23   And so, God doesn't need to set a time for judgment.

34:24   Without asking for advice, God removes mighty leaders and puts others in their place.

34:25   He knows what they are like, and he wipes them out in the middle of the night.

34:26   And while others look on, he punishes them because they were evil

34:27   and refused to obey him.

34:28   The persons they mistreated had prayed for help, until God answered their prayers.

34:29   When God does nothing, can any person or nation find fault with him?

34:30   But still, he punishes rulers who abuse their people.

34:31   Job, you should tell God that you are guilty and promise to do better.

34:32   Then ask him to point out what you did wrong, so you won't do it again.

34:33   Do you make the rules, or does God? You have to decide-- I can't do it for you; now make up your mind.

34:34   Job, anyone with good sense can easily see

34:35   that you are speaking nonsense and lack good judgment.

34:36   So I pray for you to suffer as much as possible for talking like a sinner.

34:37   You have rebelled against God, time after time, and have even insulted us.