Job.33.1

"So please, Job, hear me out, honor me by listening to me.

Job.33.1

"But now, Job, listen to my words; pay attention to everything I say.

Job.33.1

"But please, Job, hear my speech, And listen to all my words.

Job.33.1

"Listen, Job, to what I have to say.

Job.33.2

What I'm about to say has been carefully thought out.

Job.33.2

I am about to open my mouth; my words are on the tip of my tongue.

Job.33.2

Now, I open my mouth; My tongue speaks in my mouth.

Job.33.2

Now that I have begun to speak, let me continue.

Job.33.3

I have no ulterior motives in this; I'm speaking honestly from my heart.

Job.33.3

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know.

Job.33.3

My words come from my upright heart; My lips utter pure knowledge.

Job.33.3

I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth.

Job.33.4

The Spirit of God made me what I am, the breath of God Almighty gave me life!

Job.33.4

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.4

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.4

For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.5

"And if you think you can prove me wrong, do it. Lay out your arguments. Stand up for yourself!

Job.33.5

Answer me then, if you can; prepare yourself and confront me.

Job.33.5

If you can answer me, Set your words in order before me; Take your stand.

Job.33.5

Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand.

Job.33.6

Look, I'm human--no better than you; we're both made of the same kind of mud.

Job.33.6

I am just like you before God; I too have been taken from clay.

Job.33.6

Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay.

Job.33.6

"Look, you and I are the same before God. I, too, was formed from clay.

Job.33.7

So let's work this through together; don't let my aggressiveness overwhelm you.

Job.33.7

No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy upon you.

Job.33.7

Surely no fear of me will terrify you, Nor will my hand be heavy on you.

Job.33.7

So you don't need to be afraid of me. I am not some great person to make you nervous and afraid.

Job.33.8

"Here's what you said. I heard you say it with my own ears.

Job.33.8

"But you have said in my hearing- I heard the very words-

Job.33.8

"Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words, saying,

Job.33.8

"You have said it in my hearing. I have heard your very words.

Job.33.9

You said, "I'm pure--I've done nothing wrong. Believe me, I'm clean--my conscience is clear.

Job.33.9

'I am pure and without sin; I am clean and free from guilt.

Job.33.9

"I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me.

Job.33.9

You said, `I am pure; I am innocent; I have not sinned.

Job.33.10

But God keeps picking on me; he treats me like I'm his enemy.

Job.33.10

Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy.

Job.33.10

Yet He finds occasions against me, He counts me as His enemy;

Job.33.10

God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me to be his enemy.

Job.33.11

He's thrown me in jail; he keeps me under constant surveillance.'

Job.33.11

He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch on all my paths.'

Job.33.11

He puts my feet in the stocks, He watches all my paths.'

Job.33.11

He puts my feet in the stocks and watches every move I make.'

Job.33.12

"But let me tell you, Job, you're wrong, dead wrong! God is far greater than any human.

Job.33.12

"But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than man.

Job.33.12

"Look, in this you are not righteous. I will answer you, For God is greater than man.

Job.33.12

"In this you are not right, and I will show you why. As you yourself have said, `God is greater than any person.'

Job.33.13

So how dare you haul him into court, and then complain that he won't answer your charges?

Job.33.13

Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man's words?

Job.33.13

Why do you contend with Him? For He does not give an accounting of any of His words.

Job.33.13

So why are you bringing a charge against him? You say, `He does not respond to people's complaints.'

Job.33.14

God always answers, one way or another, even when people don't recognize his presence.

Job.33.14

For God does speak-now one way, now another- though man may not perceive it.

Job.33.14

For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it.

Job.33.14

But God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.

Job.33.15

"In a dream, for instance, a vision at night, when men and women are deep in sleep, fast asleep in their beds--

Job.33.15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds,

Job.33.15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds,

Job.33.15

He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in bed.

Job.33.16

God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings

Job.33.16

he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,

Job.33.16

Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.

Job.33.16

He whispers in their ear and terrifies them with his warning.

Job.33.17

To turn them back from something bad they're planning, from some reckless choice,

Job.33.17

to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,

Job.33.17

In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man,

Job.33.17

He causes them to change their minds; he keeps them from pride.

Job.33.18

And keep them from an early grave, from the river of no return.

Job.33.18

to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.

Job.33.18

He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.

Job.33.18

He keeps them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.

Job.33.19

"Or, God might get their attention through pain, by throwing them on a bed of suffering,

Job.33.19

Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones,

Job.33.19

"Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones,

Job.33.19

Or God disciplines people with sickness and pain, with ceaseless aching in their bones.

Job.33.20

So they can't stand the sight of food, have no appetite for their favorite treats.

Job.33.20

so that his very being finds food repulsive and his soul loathes the choicest meal.

Job.33.20

So that his life abhors bread, And his soul succulent food.

Job.33.20

They lose their appetite and do not care for even the most delicious food.

Job.33.21

They lose weight, wasting away to nothing, reduced to a bag of bones.

Job.33.21

His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now stick out.

Job.33.21

His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones stick out which once were not seen.

Job.33.21

They waste away to skin and bones.

Job.33.22

They hang on the cliff-edge of death, knowing the next breath may be their last.

Job.33.22

His soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the messengers of death.

Job.33.22

Yes, his soul draws near the Pit, And his life to the executioners.

Job.33.22

They are at death's door; the angels of death wait for them.

Job.33.23

"But even then an angel could come, a champion--there are thousands of them!- to take up your cause,

Job.33.23

"Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,

Job.33.23

"If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness,

Job.33.23

"But if a special messenger from heaven is there to intercede for a person, to declare that he is upright,

Job.33.24

A messenger who would mercifully intervene, canceling the death sentence with the words: "I've come up with the ransom!'

Job.33.24

to be gracious to him and say, 'Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him'-

Job.33.24

Then He is gracious to him, and says, "Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom';

Job.33.24

God will be gracious and say, `Set him free. Do not make him die, for I have found a ransom for his life.'

Job.33.25

Before you know it, you're healed, the very picture of health!

Job.33.25

then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth.

Job.33.25

His flesh shall be young like a child's, He shall return to the days of his youth.

Job.33.25

Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again.

Job.33.26

"Or, you may fall on your knees and pray--to God's delight! You'll see God's smile and celebrate, finding yourself set right with God.

Job.33.26

He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God's face and shouts for joy; he is restored by God to his righteous state.

Job.33.26

He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.

Job.33.26

When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing.

Job.33.27

You'll sing God's praises to everyone you meet, testifying, "I messed up my life--and let me tell you, it wasn't worth it.

Job.33.27

Then he comes to men and says, 'I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved.

Job.33.27

Then he looks at men and says, "I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.'

Job.33.27

He will declare to his friends, `I sinned, but it was not worth it.

Job.33.28

But God stepped in and saved me from certain death. I'm alive again! Once more I see the light!'

Job.33.28

He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.'

Job.33.28

He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light.

Job.33.28

God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.'

Job.33.29

"This is the way God works. Over and over again

Job.33.29

"God does all these things to a man- twice, even three times-

Job.33.29

"Behold, God works all these things, Twice, in fact, three times with a man,

Job.33.29

"Yes, God often does these things for people.

Job.33.30

He pulls our souls back from certain destruction so we'll see the light--and live in the light!

Job.33.30

to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.

Job.33.30

To bring back his soul from the Pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life.

Job.33.30

He rescues them from the grave so they may live in the light of the living.

Job.33.31

"Keep listening, Job. Don't interrupt--I'm not finished yet.

Job.33.31

"Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.

Job.33.31

"Give ear, Job, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will speak.

Job.33.31

Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, and let me say more.

Job.33.32

But if you think of anything I should know, tell me. There's nothing I'd like better than to see your name cleared.

Job.33.32

If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want you to be cleared.

Job.33.32

If you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you.

Job.33.32

But if you have anything to say, go ahead. I want to hear it, for I am anxious to see you justified.

Job.33.33

Meanwhile, keep listening. Don't distract me with interruptions. I'm going to teach you the basics of wisdom." Elihu's Second Speech It's Impossible for God to Do Evil

Job.33.33

But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."

Job.33.33

If not, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom."

Job.33.33

But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!"

Job.34.1

Elihu continued:

Job.34.1

Then Elihu said:

Job.34.1

Elihu further answered and said:

Job.34.1

Then Elihu said:

Job.34.2

"So, my fine friends--listen to me, and see what you think of this.

Job.34.2

"Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.

Job.34.2

"Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

Job.34.2

"Listen to me, you wise men. Pay attention, you who have knowledge.

Job.34.3

Isn't it just common sense--as common as the sense of taste--

Job.34.3

For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.

Job.34.3

For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food.

Job.34.3

`Just as the mouth tastes good food, the ear tests the words it hears.'

Job.34.4

To put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?

Job.34.4

Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

Job.34.4

Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good.

Job.34.4

So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

Job.34.5

"We've all heard Job say, "I'm in the right, but God won't give me a fair trial.

Job.34.5

"Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice.

Job.34.5

"For Job has said, "I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice;

Job.34.5

For Job has said, `I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights.

Job.34.6

When I defend myself, I'm called a liar to my face. I've done nothing wrong, and I get punished anyway.'

Job.34.6

Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'

Job.34.6

Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'

Job.34.6

I am innocent, but they call me a liar. My suffering is incurable, even though I have not sinned.'

Job.34.7

Have you ever heard anything to beat this? Does nothing faze this man Job?

Job.34.7

What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?

Job.34.7

What man is like Job, Who drinks scorn like water,

Job.34.7

"Has there ever been a man as arrogant as Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk?

Job.34.8

Do you think he's spent too much time in bad company, hanging out with the wrong crowd,

Job.34.8

He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.

Job.34.8

Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men?

Job.34.8

He seeks the companionship of evil people. He spends his time with wicked men.

Job.34.9

So that now he's parroting their line: "It doesn't pay to try to please God'?

Job.34.9

For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.'

Job.34.9

For he has said, "It profits a man nothing That he should delight in God.'

Job.34.9

He has even said, `Why waste time trying to please God?'

Job.34.10

"You're veterans in dealing with these matters; certainly we're of one mind on this. It's impossible for God to do anything evil; no way can the Mighty One do wrong.

Job.34.10

"So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.

Job.34.10

"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.

Job.34.10

"Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.

Job.34.11

He makes us pay for exactly what we've done--no more, no less. Our chickens always come home to roost.

Job.34.11

He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.

Job.34.11

For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way.

Job.34.11

He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people according to their ways.

Job.34.12

It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice.

Job.34.12

It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.

Job.34.12

Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

Job.34.12

There is no truer statement than this: God will not do wrong. The Almighty cannot twist justice.

Job.34.13

He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand!

Job.34.13

Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?

Job.34.13

Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the whole world?

Job.34.13

Who put the world in his care? Who has set the whole world in place?

Job.34.14

If he decided to hold his breath,

Job.34.14

If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,

Job.34.14

If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,

Job.34.14

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath,

Job.34.15

every man, woman, and child would die for lack of air.

Job.34.15

all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.

Job.34.15

All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.

Job.34.15

all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust.

Job.34.16

"So, Job, use your head; this is all pretty obvious.

Job.34.16

"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.

Job.34.16

"If you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words:

Job.34.16

"Listen now and try to understand.

Job.34.17

Can someone who hates order, keep order? Do you dare condemn the righteous, mighty God?

Job.34.17

Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?

Job.34.17

Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?

Job.34.17

Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty Judge?

Job.34.18

Doesn't God always tell it like it is, exposing corrupt rulers as scoundrels and criminals?

Job.34.18

Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'

Job.34.18

Is it fitting to say to a king, "You are worthless,' And to nobles, "You are wicked'?

Job.34.18

For he says to kings and nobles, `You are wicked and unjust.'

Job.34.19

Does he play favorites with the rich and famous and slight the poor? Isn't he equally responsible to everybody?

Job.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?

Job.34.19

Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.

Job.34.19

He doesn't care how great a person may be, and he doesn't pay any more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.

Job.34.20

Don't people who deserve it die without notice? Don't wicked rulers tumble to their doom? When the so-called great ones are wiped out, we know God is working behind the scenes.

Job.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.

Job.34.20

In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand.

Job.34.20

In a moment they die. At midnight they all pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

Job.34.21

"He has his eyes on every man and woman. He doesn't miss a trick.

Job.34.21

"His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.

Job.34.21

"For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.

Job.34.21

"For God carefully watches the way people live; he sees everything they do.

Job.34.22

There is no night dark enough, no shadow deep enough, to hide those who do evil.

Job.34.22

There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.

Job.34.22

There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

Job.34.22

No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes.

Job.34.23

God doesn't need to gather any more evidence; their sin is an open-and-shut case.

Job.34.23

God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.

Job.34.23

For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.

Job.34.23

For it is not up to mortals to decide when to come before God in judgment.

Job.34.24

He deposes the so-called high and mighty without asking questions, and replaces them at once with others.

Job.34.24

Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.

Job.34.24

He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.

Job.34.24

He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone, and he sets up others in their places.

Job.34.25

Nobody gets by with anything; overnight, judgment is signed, sealed, and delivered.

Job.34.25

Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

Job.34.25

Therefore He knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed.

Job.34.25

He watches what they do, and in the night he overturns them, destroying them.

Job.34.26

He punishes the wicked for their wickedness out in the open where everyone can see it,

Job.34.26

He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,

Job.34.26

He strikes them as wicked men In the open sight of others,

Job.34.26

He openly strikes them down for their wickedness.

Job.34.27

Because they quit following him, no longer even thought about him or his ways.

Job.34.27

because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.

Job.34.27

Because they turned back from Him, And would not consider any of His ways,

Job.34.27

For they turned aside from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways.

Job.34.28

Their apostasy was announced by the cry of the poor; the cry of the afflicted got God's attention. Because You Refuse to Live on God's Terms

Job.34.28

They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.

Job.34.28

So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.

Job.34.28

So they cause the poor to cry out, catching God's attention. Yes, he hears the cries of the needy.

Job.34.29

"If God is silent, what's that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he's there, ruling,

Job.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,

Job.34.29

When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?--

Job.34.29

When he is quiet, who can make trouble? But when he hides his face, who can find him?

Job.34.30

so that those who hate God won't take over and ruin people's lives.

Job.34.30

to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.

Job.34.30

That the hypocrite should not reign, Lest the people be ensnared.

Job.34.30

He prevents the godless from ruling so they cannot be a snare to the people.

Job.34.31

"So why don't you simply confess to God? Say, "I sinned, but I'll sin no more.

Job.34.31

"Suppose a man says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more.

Job.34.31

"For has anyone said to God, "I have borne chastening; I will offend no more;

Job.34.31

"Why don't people say to God, `I have sinned, but I will sin no more'?

Job.34.32

Teach me to see what I still don't see. Whatever evil I've done, I'll do it no more.'

Job.34.32

Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'

Job.34.32

Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more'?

Job.34.32

Or `I don't know what evil I have done; tell me, and I will stop at once'?

Job.34.33

Just because you refuse to live on God's terms, do you think he should start living on yours? You choose. I can't do it for you. Tell me what you decide.

Job.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.

Job.34.33

Should He repay it according to your terms, Just because you disavow it? You must choose, and not I; Therefore speak what you know.

Job.34.33

"Must God tailor his justice to your demands? But you have rejected him! The choice is yours, not mine. Go ahead, share your wisdom with us.

Job.34.34

"All right-thinking people say--and the wise who have listened to me concur--

Job.34.34

"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

Job.34.34

"Men of understanding say to me, Wise men who listen to me:

Job.34.34

After all, bright people will tell me, and wise people will hear me say,

Job.34.35

"Job is an ignoramus. He talks utter nonsense.'

Job.34.35

'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'

Job.34.35

"Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.'

Job.34.35

`Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'

Job.34.36

Job, you need to be pushed to the wall and called to account for wickedly talking back to God the way you have.

Job.34.36

Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!

Job.34.36

Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of wicked men!

Job.34.36

Job, you deserve the maximum penalty for the wicked way you have talked.

Job.34.37

You've compounded your original sin by rebelling against God's discipline, Defiantly shaking your fist at God, piling up indictments against the Almighty One." Elihu's Third Speech When God Makes Creation a Classroom

Job.34.37

To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."

Job.34.37

For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God."

Job.34.37

For now you have added rebellion and blasphemy against God to your other sins."