Job Tells of Earth’s Treasures

“Surely there is a mine for silver, And a place where they refine gold.

Job’s Past Was Glorious

And Job again took up his discussion and said,

Job’s Present State Is Humiliating

“But now those younger than I mock and laugh at me, Whose fathers I refused to put with the sheepdogs of my flock.

Job Asserts His Integrity

“I have made a covenant (agreement) with my eyes; How then could I gaze [lustfully] at a virgin?

Let thorns grow instead of wheat, And stinkweed and cockleburs instead of barley.” So the words of Job [with his friends] are finished.

Elihu Rebukes Job

So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes [and could not be persuaded otherwise by them].

But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled and burned and he became upset with Job because he justified himself rather than God [and even expressed doubts about God’s character].

Elihu’s anger burned against Job’s three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job’s error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were years older than he.

“Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’

“I even paid close attention to [what] you [said], Indeed, not one of you convinced Job [nor could you refute him], Not one of you supplied [satisfactory] answers to his words.

“Beware if you say, ‘We have found wisdom; God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].’

“Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended], Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]

“They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer; The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu].

Elihu Claims to Speak for God

“However, Job, please listen to my words, And pay attention to everything I say.

“For God speaks once, And even twice, yet no one notices it [including you, Job].

“Pay attention, Job, listen to me; Keep silent, and I will speak.

“For Job has said, ‘I am righteous [and innocent], But God has taken away my right;

“What man is like Job, Who drinks up derision like water,

‘Job speaks without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom and insight.

‘Job ought to be tried to the limit Because he answers like wicked men!

Elihu Sharply Reproves Job

Elihu continued speaking [to Job] and said,

Job uselessly opens his mouth And multiplies words without knowledge [drawing the worthless conclusion that the righteous have no more advantage than the wicked].”

“But you [Job] were full of judgment on the wicked, Judgment and justice take hold of you.

“Listen to this, Job; Stand still and consider the wonders of God.