New International Version | New International Version |
1Then Elihu said: | 1Then Elihu said: |
2"Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. | 2"Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. |
3For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. | 3For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. |
4Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. | 4Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. |
5"Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice. | 5"Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice. |
6Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.' | 6Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.' |
7Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? | 7Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? |
8He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked. | 8He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked. |
9For he says, 'There is no profit in trying to please God.' | 9For he says, 'There is no profit in trying to please God.' |
10"So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. | 10"So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. |
11He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. | 11He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. |
12It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. | 12It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. |
13Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? | 13Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? |
14If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, | 14If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, |
15all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. | 15all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. |
16"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. | 16"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. |
17Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One? | 17Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One? |
18Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,' | 18Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,' |
19who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? | 19who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? |
20They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. | 20They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. |
21"His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step. | 21"His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step. |
22There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide. | 22There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide. |
23God has no need to examine people further, that they should come before him for judgment. | 23God has no need to examine people further, that they should come before him for judgment. |
24Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place. | 24Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place. |
25Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. | 25Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. |
26He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them, | 26He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them, |
27because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways. | 27because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways. |
28They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy. | 28They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy. |
29But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike, | 29But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike, |
30to keep the godless from ruling, from laying snares for the people. | 30to keep the godless from ruling, from laying snares for the people. |
31"Suppose someone says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more. | 31"Suppose someone says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more. |
32Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.' | 32Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.' |
33Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know. | 33Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know. |
34"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me, | 34"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me, |
35Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.' | 35Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.' |
36Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man! | 36Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man! |
37To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God." | 37To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God." |
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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