The Book of Job

Moreover Elihu continued, saying,

“Do you think this is just when you say, ‘My right before God’?

For you ask, ‘What use is it to me?’ and, ‘Would I be better off if I had sinned?’

I will answer you, both you and your friends.

Look up at the sky, and see it; see the sky, which is higher than you.

If you have sinned, what harm do you do to God? If your transgressions pile up high, what do you do to him?

If you are righteous, what can you give to him? What will he receive from your hand?

Your wickedness may hurt a man, as you are a man, and your righteousness might benefit another son of man.

Because of many acts of oppression, people cry out; they call for help from the arms of mighty men.

But no one says, ’Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,

who teaches us more than he teaches the beasts of the earth, and who makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’

There they cry out, but God gives no answer because of the pride of evil men.

God will certainly not hear a foolish cry; the Almighty will pay no attention to it.

How much less will he answer you if you say that you do not see him, that your case is before him, and that you are waiting for him!

How much less will he answer you if you say that he never punishes anyone in anger, and that he is not very concerned about people’s pride.

So Job opens his mouth only to speak foolishness; he piles up words without knowledge.”

Moreover Elihu answered,

“Do you think this to be your right, or do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s,’

that you ask, ‘What advantage will it be to you? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’

I will answer you, and your companions with you.

Look to the skies, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.

If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?

If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?

Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are, and your righteousness may profit a son of man.

“By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.

But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,

who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’

There they cry, but no one answers, because of the pride of evil men.

Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.

How much less when you say you don’t see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him!

But now, because he has not visited in his anger, neither does he greatly regard arrogance,

therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.”