Dual Panel1Elihu said:
2You men think you are wise, but just listen to me!
3Think about my words, as you would taste food.
4Then we can decide the case and give a just verdict.
5Job claims he is innocent and God is guilty of mistreating him.
6Job also argues that God considers him a liar and that he is suffering severely in spite of his innocence.
7But to tell the truth, Job is shameless!
8He spends his time with sinners,
9because he has said, "It doesn't pay to please God."
10If any of you are smart, you will listen and learn that God All-Powerful does what is right.
11God always treats everyone the way they deserve,
12and he is never unfair.
13From the very beginning, God has been in control of all the world.
14If God took back the breath that he breathed into us,
15we humans would die and return to the soil.
16So be smart and listen!
17The mighty God is the one who brings about justice, and you are condemning him.
18Indeed, God is the one who condemns unfair rulers.
19And God created us all; he has no favorites, whether rich or poor.
20Even powerful rulers die in the darkness of night when they least expect it, just like the rest of us.
21God watches everything we do.
22No evil person can hide in the deepest darkness.
23And so, God doesn't need to set a time for judgment.
24Without asking for advice, God removes mighty leaders and puts others in their place.
25He knows what they are like, and he wipes them out in the middle of the night.
26And while others look on, he punishes them because they were evil
27and refused to obey him.
28The persons they mistreated had prayed for help, until God answered their prayers.
29When God does nothing, can any person or nation find fault with him?
30But still, he punishes rulers who abuse their people.
31Job, you should tell God that you are guilty and promise to do better.
32Then ask him to point out what you did wrong, so you won't do it again.
33Do you make the rules, or does God? You have to decide-- I can't do it for you; now make up your mind.
34Job, anyone with good sense can easily see
35that you are speaking nonsense and lack good judgment.
36So I pray for you to suffer as much as possible for talking like a sinner.
37You have rebelled against God, time after time, and have even insulted us.