Job 34
Elihu Accuses Job of Arrogance
or
The Chutzpah of Job
based on Job 34
is there anyone like Job
Job 34:7
Job 34:7
Then Elihu said:
Now listen to me, you wise sages and seers;
as palates test foods so we test words with ears.
So let us discern what is right among peers;
together, we'll learn what is good.
For Job's said: I'm righteous but God stole my right.
I'm seen as a liar in everyone's sight;
my wound from his arrow is mortal despite
my innocence whereby I've stood.
There's no one like Job who drinks pitchers of scorn.
From dregs and from sinners his friendships are born.
It profits man nothing to please God, he's sworn.
I still cannot fathom his nerve!
O wise men, please listen to me, if you would:
we know God can't sin but can only do good;
repaying the deeds of all men as he should,
according to what they deserve.
God cannot do wrong nor will he ever err;
Almighty would never pervert what is fair.
Did somebody else put the earth in his care?
Who set the whole world into place?
If God took his spirit and breath back from men,
then all flesh would die, become dust once again.
Now listen to me if you're sensible, then
you'll hear every word of my case.
Can one who hates justice use justice to rule?
Would you dare condemn the Almighty One, who'll
declare to the kings, You are worthless, o fool;
to princes, You're wicked, unjust?
For he doesn't care if you're great or you're small;
both rich and the poor — he's created them all.
They die without warning — at midnight they fall;
the mighty, with ease, turn to dust.
God watches man's ways and he sees every stride;
there isn't a shadow where any can hide.
He need not examine a man to decide
when into God's judgement he's rushed.
Without any quorum he shatters the great,
and raises up others to take his estate.
He knows what they've done — has appointed their fate;
for deep in the night they are crushed.
The wicked are struck down for public display
since they've turned aside, disregarding his way;
mistreating the wretched who cry out and pray.
God's heard and has answered those prayers.
If he remains silent, then who can decry?
If he hides his face, then how will we get by?
If man or a nation — the same would apply:
no godless should rule nor lay snares.
Suppose someone comes before God to implore:
I'm guilty of sin but I'm sinning no more.
Please teach me to see what I could not before;
if I have done wrong, I am done.
Should God suit his justice to meet your demand?
Refuse him or choose him — it rests in your hand.
It's your choice — not mine, so declare where you stand.
Pray tell, in your wisdom, which one?
And those who are sensible surely agree
with those who are wise and have listened to me:
Job speaks without knowledge as any can see;
his words, without insight, are flawed.
Job certainly needs to be tried to the max:
he speaks like the wicked, plays loose with his facts;
rebellious, among us he scornfully claps;
he's mocked and insulted our God.
as palates test foods so we test words with ears.
So let us discern what is right among peers;
together, we'll learn what is good.
For Job's said: I'm righteous but God stole my right.
I'm seen as a liar in everyone's sight;
my wound from his arrow is mortal despite
my innocence whereby I've stood.
There's no one like Job who drinks pitchers of scorn.
From dregs and from sinners his friendships are born.
It profits man nothing to please God, he's sworn.
I still cannot fathom his nerve!
O wise men, please listen to me, if you would:
we know God can't sin but can only do good;
repaying the deeds of all men as he should,
according to what they deserve.
God cannot do wrong nor will he ever err;
Almighty would never pervert what is fair.
Did somebody else put the earth in his care?
Who set the whole world into place?
If God took his spirit and breath back from men,
then all flesh would die, become dust once again.
Now listen to me if you're sensible, then
you'll hear every word of my case.
Can one who hates justice use justice to rule?
Would you dare condemn the Almighty One, who'll
declare to the kings, You are worthless, o fool;
to princes, You're wicked, unjust?
For he doesn't care if you're great or you're small;
both rich and the poor — he's created them all.
They die without warning — at midnight they fall;
the mighty, with ease, turn to dust.
God watches man's ways and he sees every stride;
there isn't a shadow where any can hide.
He need not examine a man to decide
when into God's judgement he's rushed.
Without any quorum he shatters the great,
and raises up others to take his estate.
He knows what they've done — has appointed their fate;
for deep in the night they are crushed.
The wicked are struck down for public display
since they've turned aside, disregarding his way;
mistreating the wretched who cry out and pray.
God's heard and has answered those prayers.
If he remains silent, then who can decry?
If he hides his face, then how will we get by?
If man or a nation — the same would apply:
no godless should rule nor lay snares.
Suppose someone comes before God to implore:
I'm guilty of sin but I'm sinning no more.
Please teach me to see what I could not before;
if I have done wrong, I am done.
Should God suit his justice to meet your demand?
Refuse him or choose him — it rests in your hand.
It's your choice — not mine, so declare where you stand.
Pray tell, in your wisdom, which one?
And those who are sensible surely agree
with those who are wise and have listened to me:
Job speaks without knowledge as any can see;
his words, without insight, are flawed.
Job certainly needs to be tried to the max:
he speaks like the wicked, plays loose with his facts;
rebellious, among us he scornfully claps;
he's mocked and insulted our God.
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