| 章 |
| 34:1 |
Then Elihu said:
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| 34:2 |
"Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.
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| 34:3 |
For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
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| 34:4 |
Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.
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| 34:5 |
"Job says, `I am innocent, but God denies me justice.
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| 34:6 |
Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.
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| 34:7 |
'What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?
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| 34:8 |
He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.
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| 34:9 |
For he says, `It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.
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| 34:10 |
"'So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.
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| 34:11 |
He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.
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| 34:12 |
It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
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| 34:13 |
Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?
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| 34:14 |
If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
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| 34:15 |
all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.
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| 34:16 |
"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
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| 34:17 |
Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?
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| 34:18 |
Is he not the One who says to kings, `You are worthless, 'and to nobles, `You are wicked,
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| 34:19 |
'who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
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| 34:20 |
They 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.
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| 34:21 |
"His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.
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| 34:22 |
There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.
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| 34:23 |
God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.
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| 34:24 |
Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.
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| 34:25 |
Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
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| 34:26 |
He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,
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| 34:27 |
because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.
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| 34:28 |
They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.
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| 34:29 |
But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over man and nation alike,
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| 34:30 |
to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.
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| 34:31 |
"Suppose a man says to God, `I am guilty but will offend no more.
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| 34:32 |
Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.
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| 34:33 |
'Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.
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| 34:34 |
"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,
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| 34:35 |
`Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.
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| 34:36 |
'Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!
|
| 34:37 |
To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."
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