Dual Panel1Elihu said:
2Be patient a while longer; I have something else to say in God's defense.
3God always does right-- and this knowledge comes straight from God.
4You can rest assured that what I say is true.
5Although God is mighty, he cares about everyone and makes fair decisions.
6The wicked are cut down, and those who are wronged receive justice.
7God watches over good people and places them in positions of power and honor forever.
8But when people are prisoners of suffering and pain,
9God points out their sin and their pride,
10then he warns them to turn back to him.
11And if they obey, they will be successful and happy from then on.
12But if they foolishly refuse, they will be rewarded with a violent death.
13Godless people are too angry to ask God for help when he punishes them.
14So they die young in shameful disgrace.
15Hard times and trouble are God's way of getting our attention!
16And at this very moment, God deeply desires to lead you from trouble and to spread your table with your favorite food.
17Now that the judgment for your sins has fallen upon you,
18don't let your anger and the pain you endured make you sneer at God.
19Your reputation and riches cannot protect you from distress,
20nor can you find safety in the dark world below.
21Be on guard! Don't turn to evil as a way of escape.
22God's power is unlimited. He needs no teachers
23to guide or correct him.
24Others have praised God for what he has done, so join with them.
25From down here on earth, everyone has looked up and seen
26how great God is-- God is more than we imagine; no one can count the years he has lived.
27God gathers moisture into the clouds
28and supplies us with rain.
29Who can understand how God scatters the clouds and speaks from his home in the thunderstorm?
30And when God sends lightning, it can be seen at the bottom of the sea.
31By producing such rainstorms, God rules the world and provides us with food.
32Each flash of lightning is one of his arrows striking its target,
33and the thunder tells of his anger against sin.