¹Then Elihu continued,

²“Listen to my words, you men who say you are wise; pay attention to what I'm saying you who think you know.[#34:2. Since Elihu has already criticized them, his words here are surely ironic.]

³The ear distinguishes words just as the palate distinguishes foods.[#34:3. This is what Job stated in 12:11.]

⁴Let us discern for ourselves what is right: let us decide among ourselves what is good.

⁵Job said, ‘I am innocent, and God has denied me justice.

⁶Even though I'm right, I'm treated like a liar; I am dying from my wounds, even though I've done nothing wrong.’[#34:6. Job stated this in 9:21and 27:2.]

⁷Has there ever been a man like Job with such a thirst for ridiculing others?[#34:7. Literally, “who drinks scorn like water.”]

⁸He keeps company with wicked people; he associates with those who do evil.

⁹He's even said, ‘What benefit is there in being God's friend?’

¹⁰So listen to me, you men of understanding! It's impossible for God to do evil and the Almighty to do wrong.

¹¹He pays people back for what they've done, and treats them as they deserve.

¹²It's absolutely sure that God doesn't act wickedly; the Almighty would never pervert justice.[#34:12. Elihu is repeating what Bildad said in 8:3.]

¹³Who put him in charge of the earth? Who gave him the responsibility for all the world?

¹⁴If he were to withdraw his spirit, if he were to take back his breath,[#34:14. Following the Septuagint reading.]

¹⁵all living things would immediately die and human beings would return to dust.

¹⁶If you have understanding then hear this; pay attention to what I'm saying.

¹⁷Do you really think someone who hated justice could govern? Are you going to condemn Almighty God who always does what is right?

¹⁸He's the one who tells kings, ‘You're useless!’ or says to nobles, ‘You're wicked!’

¹⁹He doesn't think more of the rich than the poor, for they are all people he himself made.

²⁰They die in a moment; at midnight they shudder and pass away; the mighty are gone without effort.

²¹For he watches what they're doing and sees everywhere they go.

²²There is no darkness so deep where people who do evil can hide themselves from him.

²³God doesn't need to examine anyone in any greater detail that they should come before him for judgment.[#34:23. Meaning that God knows the destiny of all based on what they have done.]

²⁴He brings down the mighty without needing an investigation; he sets up others in their place.[#34:24. Literally, “shatters.”]

²⁵Knowing what they've done he overthrows them in a night and destroys them.

²⁶He strikes them down for their wickedness in public where they can be seen

²⁷because they turned away from following him, disregarding all his ways.

²⁸They made the poor call out to him, and he heard the cries of the oppressed.

²⁹Yet if God wants to remain silent, who can condemn him? If he chooses to hide his face, who can see him? Whether it concerns a nation or an individual,

³⁰a person who rejects God should not rule so they don't mislead people.[#34:30. Or “ensnare.”]

³¹If you were to say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I won't do bad things any more.[#34:31. Or “anyone.”]

³²Show me what I cannot see. If I have done wrong, I won't do it again,’

³³then should God reward you for following your own opinions since you have rejected his? You're the one who has to choose, not me! Tell us what you think.[#34:33. In the context, probably referring to Job's own opinions as to what is right and wrong.]

³⁴For people who understand—those who are wise who have heard what I said—will tell me,

³⁵‘Job doesn't know what he's talking about. What he says doesn't make any sense.’

³⁶If only Job were thoroughly condemned because he speaks like evil people do.

³⁷Now he has added rebellion to his sins; he claps his hands at us, making long speeches full of accusations against God.”[#34:37. An action of ridicule and disrespect (see for example 27:23).]