【Job】Chapter 36 << Last Chapter Next Chapter >>

36:1 Elihu proceeded further and said:

36:2 Wait yet a little and I will instruct you, for there are still words to be said on God’s behalf.

36:3 I will bring my knowledge from afar, and to my Maker I will accord the right.

36:4 For indeed, my theme cannot fail me: the one perfect in knowledge I set before you.

36:5 Behold, God rejects the obstinate in heart; he preserves not the life of the wicked.

36:6 He withholds not the just man’s rights, but grants vindication to the oppressed,

36:7 And with kings upon thrones he sets them, exalted forever.

36:8 Or if they are bound with fetters and held fast by bonds of affliction,

36:9 Then he makes known to them what they have done and their sins of boastful pride.

36:10 He opens their ears to correction and exhorts them to turn back from evil.

36:11 If they obey and serve him, they spend their days in prosperity, their years in happiness.

36:12 But if they obey not, they perish; they die for lack of knowledge.

36:13 The impious in heart lay up anger for themselves; they cry not for help when he enchains them;

36:14 Therefore they expire in youth, and perish among the reprobate.

36:15 But he saves the unfortunate through their affliction, and instructs them through distress.

36:16 ＂He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.

36:17 But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you.

36:18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.

36:19 Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress?

36:20 Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes.

36:21 Take heed, turn not to evil; for you have preferred carousal to affliction.

36:22 Behold, God is sublime in his power. What teacher is there like him?

36:23 Who prescribes for him his conduct, or who can say, "You have done wrong"?

36:24 Remember, you should extol his work, which men have praised in song.

36:25 All men contemplate it; man beholds it from afar.

36:26 Lo, God is great beyond our knowledge; the number of his years is past searching out.

36:27 He holds in check the waterdrops that filter in rain through his mists,

36:28 Till the skies run with them and the showers rain down on mankind.

36:29 Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion?

36:30 Lo! he spreads the clouds in layers as the carpeting of his tent.

36:31 For by these he nourishes the nations, and gives them food in abundance.

36:32 In his hands he holds the lightning, and he commands it to strike the mark.

36:33 His thunder speaks for him and incites the fury of the storm.

Fr: To: