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约伯记 32-40
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)
约伯记 32-40
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)
以利户的回答
32 三人见约伯自以为义，便不再回答他。 2 那时，兰族的布西人巴拉迦的儿子以利户对约伯很恼火，因为约伯自以为义，不承认上帝的公义。 3 他对约伯的三个朋友也很恼火，因为他们说约伯有罪，却无法回答约伯的质问[a]。 4 由于不及他们年长，以利户便等他们说完才向约伯发言。 5 他见三人无法回答约伯，很恼火， 6 就说：
“我年纪轻，你们是长辈，
所以我畏惧，不敢陈明观点。
7 我想，前辈当先发言，
长者当传授智慧。
8 但只有人里面的灵——
全能者的气息赐人悟性。
9 长者不一定有智慧，
年老不一定明白是非。
10 因此，请听我说，
我也要陈明观点。
11 看啊，我一直等候你们发言，
倾听你们的理论，
等你们斟词酌句。
12 我仔细聆听，
发现你们无人能驳倒约伯，
无人能答复他。
13 你们不要说，‘我们找到了智慧，
使他折服的是上帝而非人。’
14 约伯没有与我辩论，
我也不会用你们的理论答复他。
15 “他们惊慌失措，无言以对，
再也说不出话来。
16 难道他们不说话，站在那里无言以对，
我就要等下去吗？
17 我也要作出答复，
陈明我的观点。
18 因为我心里积满了话，
我里面的灵催促我说出来。
19 我里面像盛满了酒，却没有出口，
又如将要破裂的新酒袋。
20 我要一吐为快，
我要开口答复。
21 我不看人的情面，
也不奉承人。
22 我不善奉承，
否则，造物主会很快把我除掉。
33 “约伯啊，请听我言，
请留心听我每一句话。
2 我要开口发言，
我话已在舌尖。
3 我的话发自正直的心，
我的口如实陈明道理。
4 上帝的灵创造了我，
全能者的气赋予我生命。
5 如果你能，就反驳我，
站出来与我辩论。
6 在上帝面前，我与你无异，
也是泥土造的。
7 所以你不用惧怕我，
我不会对你施加压力。
8 “你的话已进到我耳中，
我听见你说，
9 ‘我纯全无过，
我清白无罪，
10 上帝却挑我的错，
与我为敌；
11 祂给我戴上脚镣，
鉴察我的一举一动。’
12 “我来答复你，你的话没有道理，
因为上帝比世人大。
13 你为何向祂抱怨，
说祂不理会世人的话？
14 上帝一再用各种方式说话，
然而世人却不明白。
15 人躺在床上沉睡时，
在梦境和夜间的异象中，
16 上帝开启他们的耳朵，
用警告惊吓他们，
17 使他们离开罪恶，
不再骄傲，
18 以免他们的灵魂坠入深坑，
他们的性命被刀剑夺去。
19 “人因受罚而卧病在床，
骨头疼痛不止，
20 以致毫无食欲，
对佳肴心生厌恶。
21 他日渐消瘦，
只剩下骨头。
22 他的灵魂临近深坑，
他的生命濒临死亡。
23 如果一千天使中有一位能做他的中保，
指示他当行的事，
24 上帝[b]就会怜悯他，说，‘别让他下坟墓，
我已得到他的赎金。’
25 那时，他的皮肉将嫩如孩童，
他将恢复青春的活力。
26 他向上帝祷告时必蒙悦纳，
他欢呼着朝见上帝，
再度被祂视为义人。
27 他会当众歌唱说，
‘我犯了罪，颠倒是非，
祂却没有按我的罪报应我。
28 祂救赎我的灵魂，使之免下深坑，
使我的生命得见光明。’
29 “看啊，这都是上帝的作为，
祂一次次地恩待世人，
30 从深坑救回人的灵魂，
使他沐浴生命之光。
31 约伯啊，留心听我说，
不要作声，我要发言。
32 你若有话，就答复我；
你只管说，我愿看到你的清白。
33 否则，请听我言；
不要作声，我要传授你智慧。”
34 以利户又说：
2 “各位智者，请听我言；
明达之士，要侧耳听我的话。
3 因为耳朵辨别话语，
正如舌头品尝食物。
4 我们来鉴别何为正，
一起来认识何为善。
5 约伯曾说，‘我是清白的，
上帝却夺去我的公道。
6 我虽然有理，却被认为是撒谎者；
我虽然无过，却受到致命的创伤。’
7 有谁像约伯？
他肆意嘲讽，
8 与恶者为伍，
同坏人作伴。
9 因为他说，‘人取悦上帝毫无益处。’
10 “所以明智的人啊，请听我言，
上帝绝不会作恶，
全能者绝无不义。
11 祂按人所行的对待人，
照人所做的报应人。
12 上帝绝不会作恶，
全能者不会颠倒是非。
13 谁曾派祂治理大地，
让祂掌管整个世界呢？
14 上帝若决定收回自己的灵和气，
15 所有生灵将一同灭亡，
世人也将归回尘土。
16 “你若明理，请听我言，
侧耳听我说。
17 憎恶正义的岂可掌权？
你要谴责公义的大能者吗？
18 祂可以称君王为废物，
称权贵为恶徒。
19 祂不偏袒王侯，
也不轻贫重富，
因为他们都是祂亲手造的。
20 他们夜间转瞬死去，
百姓震颤，继而消逝，
权贵也被铲除，非借人手。
21 上帝鉴察世人的道路，
观看他们的脚步。
22 没有黑暗和阴影可供作恶者藏身。
23 祂不必再三察验，
把人召到面前审判。
24 祂击垮权贵无需审查，
另立他人取而代之。
25 祂知道他们的行为，
祂使他们在夜间倾覆、灭亡。
26 祂当众击打他们，
正如击打恶人。
27 因为他们离弃祂，
无视祂的正道，
28 以致穷人的呼求传到祂那里，
祂也听见了困苦者的呼求。
29 但祂若保持缄默，谁能定祂有罪？
祂若掩起脸来，谁能看得见祂？
个人和国家都靠祂垂顾，
30 以免不敬虔者做王，
祸国殃民。
31 “有谁对上帝说，
‘我受了管教，不会再犯罪；
32 我不明白的事，求你指教我；
我若行了恶事，必不再行’？
33 难道因为你拒绝接受，
上帝就要迎合你的要求吗？
要做抉择的是你，而非我，
请说说你的高见。
34 明达的人和听我发言的智者都会说，
35 ‘约伯所言毫无知识，
他的话没有智慧。’
36 愿约伯被试炼到底，
因为他的回答如恶人之言。
37 他的叛逆使他罪上加罪，
他在我们中间拍手讥笑，
用许多话亵渎上帝。”
35 以利户又说：
2 “你在上帝面前自以为义，
你认为这合理吗？
3 你还说，‘这与我何干？
我不犯罪又有何益处？’
4 我要答复你和你的朋友。
5 要抬头观看诸天，
瞻望头顶的穹苍。
6 你若犯罪，与上帝何妨？
你若罪恶累累，对祂有何影响？
7 你若为人公义，与祂何益？
祂从你手上能得什么好处？
8 你的罪恶只能伤害你的同类，
你的公义只能令世人受益。
9 “人们因饱受压迫而呼求，
因强权者的压制而求救。
10 但无人问，‘创造我的上帝在哪里？
祂使人夜间欢唱，
11 使我们比地上的走兽聪明，
比天上的飞鸟有智慧。’
12 他们因恶人的嚣张而呼求，
上帝却不回答。
13 上帝必不垂听虚妄的呼求，
全能者必不理会。
14 更何况你说你看不见祂，
你的案子已呈上，在等祂裁决。
15 你还说祂没有发怒降罚，
也不理会罪恶。
16 约伯啊，这尽是虚言，
是一大堆无知的话。”
36 以利户又说：
2 “再给我片刻，容我讲明，
我还有话替上帝说。
3 我要旁征博引，
证明我的创造主公义。
4 我的话绝非虚言，
知识全备者在你身旁。
5 “上帝有大能，但不藐视人，
祂无所不知。
6 祂不容恶人活命，
祂为穷苦人申冤。
7 祂时时看顾义人，
使他们与君王同坐宝座，
永远受尊崇。
8 他们若被锁链捆绑，
被苦难的绳索缠住，
9 祂就会指明他们的所作所为，
让他们知道自己狂妄的罪愆。
10 祂开启他们的耳朵，使之受教，
督促他们离开罪恶。
11 他们若听从、事奉祂，
就可一生幸福，安享天年。
12 否则，他们必死于刀下，
在无知中灭亡。
13 不信上帝的人心存愤怒，
被上帝捆绑也不求救。
14 他们盛年丧命，
与庙中的男妓一同夭亡。
15 上帝借苦难拯救受苦的人，
借患难开通他们的耳朵。
16 祂也要引领你脱离困境，
进入广阔自由之地，
使你享受满桌佳肴。
17 “但恶人应受的审判落在你身上，
你难逃审判和惩罚。
18 当心，不可因愤怒而嘲骂，
不可因赎金大就偏离正道。
19 难道你呼求、使出浑身力气，
就能脱离困境吗？
20 不要渴望黑夜来临——
就是众民被毁灭的时候。
21 当心，不可转向罪恶，
因你喜欢罪恶胜于苦难。
22 看啊，上帝的能力无以伦比。
谁能像祂那样赐人教诲？
23 谁能为祂指定道路？
谁能说祂行事不义？
24 人们都歌唱祂的作为，
你也要记得颂扬。
25 祂的作为，万民都已看见，
世人从远处目睹。
26 我们无法明白上帝的伟大，
祂的年岁无法数算。
27 祂吸取水滴，
使之在云雾中化为雨，
28 从云端沛然降下，
滋润人间。
29 谁能明白云层的铺展，
及祂幔幕发出的雷声？
30 祂在四围铺展闪电，
照亮大海的深处。
31 祂借此治理万民，
赐下丰富的食物。
32 祂手握闪电，
令它射向目标。
33 雷声显明祂的作为，
就连牲畜也能察觉。
37 “因此我心战栗，
在胸膛跳动。
2 请仔细听祂发出的雷声，
听祂口中发出的轰鸣。
3 祂使闪电划过整个天空，
亮光直照到地极。
4 随后雷声隆隆，
祂发出威严之声。
祂一发声，雷电交加。
5 上帝发出奇妙的雷声，
我们无法测度祂伟大的作为。
6 祂命雪降在大地，
令雨倾盆倒下，
7 使人们停下工作，
以便世人都知道祂的作为。
8 野兽躲进窝里，
留在洞中。
9 暴风从南天而来，
寒流由北方而至。
10 上帝嘘气成冰，
使宽阔的水面凝结。
11 祂使密云布满水气，
从云端发出闪电。
12 云随祂的指令旋转，
在地面之上完成祂的吩咐，
13 或为惩罚大地，
或为彰显慈爱。
14 “约伯啊，请留心听，
要驻足沉思上帝的奇妙作为。
15 你知道上帝如何发出命令，
使云中电光闪烁吗？
16 你知道全知者的奇妙作为——
祂如何使云彩飘浮吗？
17 南风吹来，大地沉寂时，
你就汗湿衣襟，你知道为何吗？
18 你能像祂那样铺展坚如铜镜的穹苍吗？
19 我们因愚昧而无法陈诉，
请指教我们如何与祂对话。
20 我怎敢与祂对话？
岂有人自取灭亡？
21 风吹散天空的云后，
无人能仰视太阳的强光。
22 北方出现金色的光芒，
上帝充满可怕的威严。
23 我们无法测度全能者，
祂充满能力，无比正直公义，
不恃强凌弱。
24 所以，人们都敬畏祂，
祂不看顾自以为有智慧的人。”
耶和华回答约伯
38 那时，耶和华从旋风中回答约伯说：
2 “是谁用无知的话蒙蔽我的旨意？
3 你要像勇士一样束腰备战，
我来提问，你来回答。
4 “我立大地根基的时候，你在哪里？
你若那么聪明，请告诉我。
5 你可知道谁为大地定的尺寸？
谁用准绳把它丈量？
6 是什么支撑大地的根基？
谁为它安放的基石？
7 当时晨星齐声歌唱，
众天使都发出欢呼。
8 “大海从母胎奔腾而出时，
谁为它划定界限？
9 是我为大海披上云彩，
为它裹上厚厚的幽暗。
10 是我为它划定界限，
并安上门和闩，
11 说，‘你到此为止，不可越界；
你狂傲的波涛要停在这里。’
12 “你生平可曾向晨曦发号施令，
为黎明的曙光指定岗位，
13 使阳光普照大地，
抖出藏匿的恶人？
14 日光使大地改观，如泥上盖印，
万物如衣服般显出颜色。
15 恶人得不到光明，
强横的臂膀必折断。
16 你可曾到过大海的源头，
走过深渊的底部？
17 死亡之门可曾向你显露？
你可曾见过幽冥之门？
18 你知道大地有多广阔吗？
你若知道，就告诉我吧。
19 “哪条路通往光明的居所？
哪里是黑暗的住处？
20 你能把它们带回原处吗？
你认识通往其居所的路吗？
21 你肯定知道，
因为那时你已出生，
你的寿数又很长久！
22 “你曾到过雪库，
或见过雹仓吗？
23 那是我为降灾之时，
为争战之日而预备的。
24 光从哪条路散开？
东风从哪条路吹向大地？
25 谁为豪雨开水道，
为雷电辟路径，
26 使雨水降在杳无人烟之地，
降在无人居住的旷野，
27 以滋润荒凉不毛之地，
使土地长出青草？
28 雨水有父亲吗？
谁生的露珠？
29 冰出自谁的胎？
谁生的天上的霜？
30 水变得坚硬如石，
深渊表面凝结成冰。
31 “你能系住昴星的结，
解开参星的带吗？
32 你能按季节领出星座，
引导北斗及其众星吗？
33 你知道天的定律吗？
你能使地服从天律吗？
34 你能号令云彩，
使倾盆大雨覆盖你吗？
35 你能命闪电发出，
让它听候调遣吗？
36 谁将智慧放在人胸中？
谁使人内心有聪明？
37-38 尘土结成硬团，
土块黏在一起时，
谁能凭智慧数算云彩？
谁能倾倒天上的水囊？
39-40 “狮子卧在洞中，
壮狮埋伏在隐秘处，
你能为它们猎取食物，
使它们饱餐吗？
41 乌鸦的幼雏饿得飞来飞去，
向上帝哀鸣时，
谁供应乌鸦食物？
39 “你知道野山羊何时生产吗？
你看过母鹿产仔吗？
2 你能算出它们怀胎的月数吗？
你知道它们分娩的日期吗？
3 它们几时屈身产仔，
结束分娩之痛？
4 幼仔健壮，在荒野长大，
离群而去，不再回来。
5 “谁让野驴逍遥自在？
谁解开了它的缰绳？
6 我使它以旷野为家，
以盐地作居所。
7 它嗤笑城邑的喧闹，
不听赶牲口的吆喝。
8 它以群山作草场，
寻找青翠之物。
9 “野牛岂肯为你效劳，
在你的槽旁过夜？
10 你岂能用缰绳把野牛牵到犁沟？
它岂肯跟着你在山谷耕地？
11 你岂能倚靠它的大力，
把你的重活交给它？
12 岂能靠它运回粮食，
替你堆聚到麦场？
13 “鸵鸟欢然拍动翅膀，
它岂有白鹳的翎羽？
14 它将蛋产在地上，
使蛋得到沙土的温暖，
15 却不知蛋会被踩碎，
或遭野兽践踏。
16 它苛待雏鸟，好像它们并非己出，
就算徒劳一场，它也不怕。
17 因为上帝未赐它智慧，
没有给它悟性。
18 然而，一旦它展翅奔跑，
必嗤笑马儿和骑士。
19 “马的力量岂是你赐的？
它颈上的鬃毛岂是你披的？
20 岂是你使它跳跃如蝗虫，
发出令人胆寒的长嘶？
21 它在谷中刨地，
炫耀力量，奋力冲向敌军。
22 它嘲笑恐惧，毫不害怕，
不因刀剑而退缩。
23 它背上的箭袋铮铮作响，
长矛和投枪闪闪发光。
24 角声一响，它便无法静立，
狂烈地颤抖，急于驰骋大地。
25 听到角声，它就发出长嘶，
它老远便嗅到战争的气味，
并听见吶喊和将领的号令。
26 “鹰隼展翅翱翔，飞往南方，
岂是靠你的智慧？
27 秃鹰腾飞，在高处搭窝，
岂是奉你的命令？
28 它居住在悬崖上，
盘踞在山岩峭壁，
29 它从那里搜寻猎物，
它的目光直达远方。
30 它的幼雏噬血，
哪里有尸体，它就在哪里。”
40 耶和华又对约伯说：
2 “强辩者岂可与全能者争论？
与上帝辩驳的人请作出答复。”
3 约伯回答耶和华说：
4 “我这样卑微，怎能答复你？
我只有用手掩口。
5 我说了一次，不能答复；
说了两次，不敢再说。”
6 耶和华从旋风中对约伯说：
7 “你要像勇士一样束腰备战，
我来提问，你来回答。
8 你要推翻我的公义，
归罪于我而自以为义吗？
9 你有上帝那样的臂膀吗？
你能像祂那样发出雷鸣吗？
10 请展示你的荣耀和光辉，
披上你的尊荣和威严；
11 发泄你满腔的怒火，
鉴察骄傲者，贬抑他；
12 鉴察骄傲者，制服他，
将恶人原地践踏；
13 将他们一起埋进尘土，
藏入幽冥。
14 这样，我就承认你的右手能拯救自己。
15 “你看河马，
它和你都是我造的，
它像牛一样吃草。
16 你看它腰间的气力，
它腹部肌肉的力量。
Job 32-40
New International Version
Job 32-40
New International Version
Elihu
32 So these three men stopped answering Job,(A) because he was righteous in his own eyes.(B) 2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite,(C) of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself(D) rather than God.(E) 3 He was also angry with the three friends,(F) because they had found no way to refute Job,(G) and yet had condemned him.[a](H) 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.(I) 5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:
“I am young in years,
and you are old;(J)
that is why I was fearful,
not daring to tell you what I know.
7 I thought, ‘Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.’(K)
8 But it is the spirit[b](L) in a person,
the breath of the Almighty,(M) that gives them understanding.(N)
9 It is not only the old[c] who are wise,(O)
not only the aged(P) who understand what is right.(Q)
10 “Therefore I say: Listen to me;(R)
I too will tell you what I know.(S)
11 I waited while you spoke,
I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words,
12 I gave you my full attention.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong;
none of you has answered his arguments.(T)
13 Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;(U)
let God, not a man, refute(V) him.’
14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me,(W)
and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 “They are dismayed and have no more to say;
words have failed them.(X)
16 Must I wait, now that they are silent,
now that they stand there with no reply?
17 I too will have my say;
I too will tell what I know.(Y)
18 For I am full of words,
and the spirit(Z) within me compels me;(AA)
19 inside I am like bottled-up wine,
like new wineskins ready to burst.(AB)
20 I must speak and find relief;
I must open my lips and reply.(AC)
21 I will show no partiality,(AD)
nor will I flatter anyone;(AE)
22 for if I were skilled in flattery,
my Maker(AF) would soon take me away.(AG)
33 “But now, Job, listen(AH) to my words;
pay attention to everything I say.(AI)
2 I am about to open my mouth;
my words are on the tip of my tongue.
3 My words come from an upright heart;(AJ)
my lips sincerely speak what I know.(AK)
4 The Spirit(AL) of God has made me;(AM)
the breath of the Almighty(AN) gives me life.(AO)
5 Answer me(AP) then, if you can;
stand up(AQ) and argue your case before me.(AR)
6 I am the same as you in God’s sight;(AS)
I too am a piece of clay.(AT)
7 No fear of me should alarm you,
nor should my hand be heavy on you.(AU)
8 “But you have said in my hearing—
I heard the very words—
9 ‘I am pure,(AV) I have done no wrong;(AW)
I am clean and free from sin.(AX)
10 Yet God has found fault with me;
he considers me his enemy.(AY)
11 He fastens my feet in shackles;(AZ)
he keeps close watch on all my paths.’(BA)
12 “But I tell you, in this you are not right,
for God is greater than any mortal.(BB)
13 Why do you complain to him(BC)
that he responds to no one’s words[d]?(BD)
14 For God does speak(BE)—now one way, now another(BF)—
though no one perceives it.(BG)
15 In a dream,(BH) in a vision(BI) of the night,(BJ)
when deep sleep(BK) falls on people
as they slumber in their beds,
16 he may speak(BL) in their ears
and terrify them(BM) with warnings,(BN)
17 to turn them from wrongdoing
and keep them from pride,(BO)
18 to preserve them from the pit,(BP)
their lives from perishing by the sword.[e](BQ)
19 “Or someone may be chastened(BR) on a bed of pain(BS)
with constant distress in their bones,(BT)
20 so that their body finds food(BU) repulsive
and their soul loathes the choicest meal.(BV)
21 Their flesh wastes away to nothing,
and their bones,(BW) once hidden, now stick out.(BX)
22 They draw near to the pit,(BY)
and their life to the messengers of death.[f](BZ)
23 Yet if there is an angel at their side,
a messenger,(CA) one out of a thousand,
sent to tell them how to be upright,(CB)
24 and he is gracious to that person and says to God,
‘Spare them from going down to the pit;(CC)
I have found a ransom for them(CD)—
25 let their flesh be renewed(CE) like a child’s;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth’(CF)—
26 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,(CG)
they will see God’s face and shout for joy;(CH)
he will restore them to full well-being.(CI)
27 And they will go to others and say,
‘I have sinned,(CJ) I have perverted what is right,(CK)
but I did not get what I deserved.(CL)
28 God has delivered(CM) me from going down to the pit,(CN)
and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’(CO)
29 “God does all these things to a person(CP)—
twice, even three times(CQ)—
30 to turn them back(CR) from the pit,(CS)
that the light of life(CT) may shine on them.(CU)
31 “Pay attention, Job, and listen(CV) to me;(CW)
be silent,(CX) and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me;(CY)
speak up, for I want to vindicate you.(CZ)
33 But if not, then listen to me;(DA)
be silent,(DB) and I will teach you wisdom.(DC)”
34 Then Elihu said:
2 “Hear my words, you wise men;
listen to me,(DD) you men of learning.
3 For the ear tests words
as the tongue tastes food.(DE)
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;(DF)
let us learn together what is good.(DG)
5 “Job says, ‘I am innocent,(DH)
but God denies me justice.(DI)
6 Although I am right,
I am considered a liar;(DJ)
although I am guiltless,(DK)
his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’(DL)
7 Is there anyone like Job,
who drinks scorn like water?(DM)
8 He keeps company with evildoers;
he associates with the wicked.(DN)
9 For he says, ‘There is no profit
in trying to please God.’(DO)
10 “So listen to me,(DP) you men of understanding.(DQ)
Far be it from God to do evil,(DR)
from the Almighty to do wrong.(DS)
11 He repays everyone for what they have done;(DT)
he brings on them what their conduct deserves.(DU)
12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,(DV)
that the Almighty would pervert justice.(DW)
13 Who appointed(DX) him over the earth?
Who put him in charge of the whole world?(DY)
14 If it were his intention
and he withdrew his spirit[g](DZ) and breath,(EA)
15 all humanity would perish(EB) together
and mankind would return to the dust.(EC)
16 “If you have understanding,(ED) hear this;
listen to what I say.(EE)
17 Can someone who hates justice govern?(EF)
Will you condemn the just and mighty One?(EG)
18 Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’
and to nobles,(EH) ‘You are wicked,’(EI)
19 who shows no partiality(EJ) to princes
and does not favor the rich over the poor,(EK)
for they are all the work of his hands?(EL)
20 They die in an instant, in the middle of the night;(EM)
the people are shaken and they pass away;
the mighty are removed without human hand.(EN)
21 “His eyes are on the ways of mortals;(EO)
he sees their every step.(EP)
22 There is no deep shadow,(EQ) no utter darkness,(ER)
where evildoers can hide.(ES)
23 God has no need to examine people further,(ET)
that they should come before him for judgment.(EU)
24 Without inquiry he shatters(EV) the mighty(EW)
and sets up others in their place.(EX)
25 Because he takes note of their deeds,(EY)
he overthrows them in the night(EZ) and they are crushed.(FA)
26 He punishes them for their wickedness(FB)
where everyone can see them,
27 because they turned from following him(FC)
and had no regard for any of his ways.(FD)
28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him,
so that he heard the cry of the needy.(FE)
29 But if he remains silent,(FF) who can condemn him?(FG)
If he hides his face,(FH) who can see him?
Yet he is over individual and nation alike,(FI)
30 to keep the godless(FJ) from ruling,(FK)
from laying snares for the people.(FL)
31 “Suppose someone says to God,
‘I am guilty(FM) but will offend no more.
32 Teach me what I cannot see;(FN)
if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’(FO)
33 Should God then reward you on your terms,
when you refuse to repent?(FP)
You must decide, not I;
so tell me what you know.
34 “Men of understanding declare,
wise men who hear me say to me,
35 ‘Job speaks without knowledge;(FQ)
his words lack insight.’(FR)
36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost
for answering like a wicked man!(FS)
37 To his sin he adds rebellion;
scornfully he claps his hands(FT) among us
and multiplies his words(FU) against God.”(FV)
35 Then Elihu said:
2 “Do you think this is just?
You say, ‘I am in the right,(FW) not God.’(FX)
3 Yet you ask him, ‘What profit is it to me,[h]
and what do I gain by not sinning?’(FY)
4 “I would like to reply to you
and to your friends with you.
5 Look up at the heavens(FZ) and see;
gaze at the clouds so high above you.(GA)
6 If you sin, how does that affect him?
If your sins are many, what does that do to him?(GB)
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him,(GC)
or what does he receive(GD) from your hand?(GE)
8 Your wickedness only affects humans like yourself,(GF)
and your righteousness only other people.(GG)
9 “People cry out(GH) under a load of oppression;(GI)
they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.(GJ)
10 But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker,(GK)
who gives songs(GL) in the night,(GM)
11 who teaches(GN) us(GO) more than he teaches[i] the beasts of the earth
and makes us wiser than[j] the birds in the sky?’
12 He does not answer(GP) when people cry out
because of the arrogance(GQ) of the wicked.(GR)
13 Indeed, God does not listen to their empty plea;
the Almighty pays no attention to it.(GS)
14 How much less, then, will he listen
when you say that you do not see him,(GT)
that your case(GU) is before him
and you must wait for him,(GV)
15 and further, that his anger never punishes(GW)
and he does not take the least notice of wickedness.[k](GX)
16 So Job opens his mouth with empty talk;(GY)
without knowledge he multiplies words.”(GZ)
36 Elihu continued:
2 “Bear with me a little longer and I will show you
that there is more to be said in God’s behalf.
3 I get my knowledge from afar;(HA)
I will ascribe justice to my Maker.(HB)
4 Be assured that my words are not false;(HC)
one who has perfect knowledge(HD) is with you.(HE)
5 “God is mighty,(HF) but despises no one;(HG)
he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.(HH)
6 He does not keep the wicked alive(HI)
but gives the afflicted their rights.(HJ)
7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous;(HK)
he enthrones them with kings(HL)
and exalts them forever.(HM)
8 But if people are bound in chains,(HN)
held fast by cords of affliction,(HO)
9 he tells them what they have done—
that they have sinned arrogantly.(HP)
10 He makes them listen(HQ) to correction(HR)
and commands them to repent of their evil.(HS)
11 If they obey and serve him,(HT)
they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity(HU)
and their years in contentment.(HV)
12 But if they do not listen,
they will perish by the sword[l](HW)
and die without knowledge.(HX)
13 “The godless in heart(HY) harbor resentment;(HZ)
even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.(IA)
14 They die in their youth,(IB)
among male prostitutes of the shrines.(IC)
15 But those who suffer(ID) he delivers in their suffering;(IE)
he speaks(IF) to them in their affliction.(IG)
16 “He is wooing(IH) you from the jaws of distress
to a spacious place(II) free from restriction,(IJ)
to the comfort of your table(IK) laden with choice food.(IL)
17 But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked;(IM)
judgment and justice have taken hold of you.(IN)
18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches;
do not let a large bribe(IO) turn you aside.(IP)
19 Would your wealth(IQ) or even all your mighty efforts
sustain you so you would not be in distress?
20 Do not long for the night,(IR)
to drag people away from their homes.[m]
21 Beware of turning to evil,(IS)
which you seem to prefer to affliction.(IT)
22 “God is exalted in his power.(IU)
Who is a teacher like him?(IV)
23 Who has prescribed his ways(IW) for him,(IX)
or said to him, ‘You have done wrong’?(IY)
24 Remember to extol his work,(IZ)
which people have praised in song.(JA)
25 All humanity has seen it;(JB)
mortals gaze on it from afar.
26 How great is God—beyond our understanding!(JC)
The number of his years is past finding out.(JD)
27 “He draws up the drops of water,(JE)
which distill as rain to the streams[n];(JF)
28 the clouds pour down their moisture
and abundant showers(JG) fall on mankind.(JH)
29 Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds,
how he thunders(JI) from his pavilion?(JJ)
30 See how he scatters his lightning(JK) about him,
bathing the depths of the sea.(JL)
31 This is the way he governs[o] the nations(JM)
and provides food(JN) in abundance.(JO)
32 He fills his hands with lightning
and commands it to strike its mark.(JP)
33 His thunder announces the coming storm;(JQ)
even the cattle make known its approach.[p](JR)
37 “At this my heart pounds(JS)
and leaps from its place.
2 Listen!(JT) Listen to the roar of his voice,(JU)
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.(JV)
3 He unleashes his lightning(JW) beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.(JX)
4 After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders(JY) with his majestic voice.(JZ)
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
5 God’s voice thunders(KA) in marvelous ways;(KB)
he does great things beyond our understanding.(KC)
6 He says to the snow,(KD) ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’(KE)
7 So that everyone he has made may know his work,(KF)
he stops all people from their labor.[q](KG)
8 The animals take cover;(KH)
they remain in their dens.(KI)
9 The tempest comes out from its chamber,(KJ)
the cold from the driving winds.(KK)
10 The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.(KL)
11 He loads the clouds with moisture;(KM)
he scatters his lightning(KN) through them.(KO)
12 At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.(KP)
13 He brings the clouds to punish people,(KQ)
or to water his earth and show his love.(KR)
14 “Listen(KS) to this, Job;
stop and consider God’s wonders.(KT)
15 Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning(KU) flash?(KV)
16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised,(KW)
those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?(KX)
17 You who swelter in your clothes
when the land lies hushed under the south wind,(KY)
18 can you join him in spreading out the skies,(KZ)
hard as a mirror of cast bronze?(LA)
19 “Tell us what we should say to him;(LB)
we cannot draw up our case(LC) because of our darkness.(LD)
20 Should he be told that I want to speak?
Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?
21 Now no one can look at the sun,(LE)
bright as it is in the skies
after the wind has swept them clean.
22 Out of the north he comes in golden splendor;(LF)
God comes in awesome majesty.(LG)
23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;(LH)
in his justice(LI) and great righteousness, he does not oppress.(LJ)
24 Therefore, people revere him,(LK)
for does he not have regard for all the wise(LL) in heart?[r]”
The Lord Speaks
38 Then the Lord spoke to Job(LM) out of the storm.(LN) He said:
2 “Who is this that obscures my plans(LO)
with words without knowledge?(LP)
3 Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.(LQ)
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?(LR)
Tell me, if you understand.(LS)
5 Who marked off its dimensions?(LT) Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line(LU) across it?
6 On what were its footings set,(LV)
or who laid its cornerstone(LW)—
7 while the morning stars(LX) sang together(LY)
and all the angels[s](LZ) shouted for joy?(MA)
8 “Who shut up the sea behind doors(MB)
when it burst forth from the womb,(MC)
9 when I made the clouds its garment
and wrapped it in thick darkness,(MD)
10 when I fixed limits for it(ME)
and set its doors and bars in place,(MF)
11 when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;(MG)
here is where your proud waves halt’?(MH)
12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning,(MI)
or shown the dawn its place,(MJ)
13 that it might take the earth by the edges
and shake the wicked(MK) out of it?(ML)
14 The earth takes shape like clay under a seal;(MM)
its features stand out like those of a garment.
15 The wicked are denied their light,(MN)
and their upraised arm is broken.(MO)
16 “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea
or walked in the recesses of the deep?(MP)
17 Have the gates of death(MQ) been shown to you?
Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness?(MR)
18 Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?(MS)
Tell me, if you know all this.(MT)
19 “What is the way to the abode of light?
And where does darkness reside?(MU)
20 Can you take them to their places?
Do you know the paths(MV) to their dwellings?
21 Surely you know, for you were already born!(MW)
You have lived so many years!
22 “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow(MX)
or seen the storehouses(MY) of the hail,(MZ)
23 which I reserve for times of trouble,(NA)
for days of war and battle?(NB)
24 What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed,(NC)
or the place where the east winds(ND) are scattered over the earth?(NE)
25 Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain,
and a path for the thunderstorm,(NF)
26 to water(NG) a land where no one lives,
an uninhabited desert,(NH)
27 to satisfy a desolate wasteland
and make it sprout with grass?(NI)
28 Does the rain have a father?(NJ)
Who fathers the drops of dew?
29 From whose womb comes the ice?
Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens(NK)
30 when the waters become hard as stone,
when the surface of the deep is frozen?(NL)
31 “Can you bind the chains[t] of the Pleiades?
Can you loosen Orion’s belt?(NM)
32 Can you bring forth the constellations(NN) in their seasons[u]
or lead out the Bear[v] with its cubs?(NO)
33 Do you know the laws(NP) of the heavens?(NQ)
Can you set up God’s[w] dominion over the earth?
34 “Can you raise your voice to the clouds
and cover yourself with a flood of water?(NR)
35 Do you send the lightning bolts on their way?(NS)
Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?
36 Who gives the ibis wisdom[x](NT)
or gives the rooster understanding?[y](NU)
37 Who has the wisdom to count the clouds?
Who can tip over the water jars(NV) of the heavens(NW)
38 when the dust becomes hard(NX)
and the clods of earth stick together?(NY)
39 “Do you hunt the prey for the lioness
and satisfy the hunger of the lions(NZ)
40 when they crouch in their dens(OA)
or lie in wait in a thicket?(OB)
41 Who provides food(OC) for the raven(OD)
when its young cry out to God
and wander about for lack of food?(OE)
39 “Do you know when the mountain goats(OF) give birth?
Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?(OG)
2 Do you count the months till they bear?
Do you know the time they give birth?(OH)
3 They crouch down and bring forth their young;
their labor pains are ended.
4 Their young thrive and grow strong in the wilds;
they leave and do not return.
5 “Who let the wild donkey(OI) go free?
Who untied its ropes?
6 I gave it the wasteland(OJ) as its home,
the salt flats(OK) as its habitat.(OL)
7 It laughs(OM) at the commotion in the town;
it does not hear a driver’s shout.(ON)
8 It ranges the hills(OO) for its pasture
and searches for any green thing.
9 “Will the wild ox(OP) consent to serve you?(OQ)
Will it stay by your manger(OR) at night?
10 Can you hold it to the furrow with a harness?(OS)
Will it till the valleys behind you?
11 Will you rely on it for its great strength?(OT)
Will you leave your heavy work to it?
12 Can you trust it to haul in your grain
and bring it to your threshing floor?
13 “The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork.(OU)
14 She lays her eggs on the ground
and lets them warm in the sand,
15 unmindful that a foot may crush them,
that some wild animal may trample them.(OV)
16 She treats her young harshly,(OW) as if they were not hers;
she cares not that her labor was in vain,
17 for God did not endow her with wisdom
or give her a share of good sense.(OX)
18 Yet when she spreads her feathers to run,
she laughs(OY) at horse and rider.
19 “Do you give the horse its strength(OZ)
or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?
20 Do you make it leap like a locust,(PA)
striking terror(PB) with its proud snorting?(PC)
21 It paws fiercely, rejoicing in its strength,(PD)
and charges into the fray.(PE)
22 It laughs(PF) at fear, afraid of nothing;
it does not shy away from the sword.
23 The quiver(PG) rattles against its side,
along with the flashing spear(PH) and lance.
24 In frenzied excitement it eats up the ground;
it cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.(PI)
25 At the blast of the trumpet(PJ) it snorts, ‘Aha!’
It catches the scent of battle from afar,
the shout of commanders and the battle cry.(PK)
26 “Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom
and spread its wings toward the south?(PL)
27 Does the eagle soar at your command
and build its nest on high?(PM)
28 It dwells on a cliff and stays there at night;
a rocky crag(PN) is its stronghold.
29 From there it looks for food;(PO)
its eyes detect it from afar.
30 Its young ones feast on blood,
and where the slain are, there it is.”(PP)
40 The Lord said to Job:(PQ)
2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty(PR) correct him?(PS)
Let him who accuses God answer him!”(PT)
3 Then Job answered the Lord:
4 “I am unworthy(PU)—how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.(PV)
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer(PW)—
twice, but I will say no more.”(PX)
6 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm:(PY)
7 “Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.(PZ)
8 “Would you discredit my justice?(QA)
Would you condemn me to justify yourself?(QB)
9 Do you have an arm like God’s,(QC)
and can your voice(QD) thunder like his?(QE)
10 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor,
and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.(QF)
11 Unleash the fury of your wrath,(QG)
look at all who are proud and bring them low,(QH)
12 look at all who are proud(QI) and humble them,(QJ)
crush(QK) the wicked where they stand.
13 Bury them all in the dust together;(QL)
shroud their faces in the grave.(QM)
14 Then I myself will admit to you
that your own right hand can save you.(QN)
Footnotes
- Job 32:3 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God
- Job 32:8 Or Spirit; also in verse 18
- Job 32:9 Or many; or great
- Job 33:13 Or that he does not answer for any of his actions
- Job 33:18 Or from crossing the river
- Job 33:22 Or to the place of the dead
- Job 34:14 Or Spirit
- Job 35:3 Or you
- Job 35:11 Or night, / 11 who teaches us by
- Job 35:11 Or us wise by
- Job 35:15 Symmachus, Theodotion and Vulgate; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
- Job 36:12 Or will cross the river
- Job 36:20 The meaning of the Hebrew for verses 18-20 is uncertain.
- Job 36:27 Or distill from the mist as rain
- Job 36:31 Or nourishes
- Job 36:33 Or announces his coming— / the One zealous against evil
- Job 37:7 Or work, / he fills all people with fear by his power
- Job 37:24 Or for he does not have regard for any who think they are wise.
- Job 38:7 Hebrew the sons of God
- Job 38:31 Septuagint; Hebrew beauty
- Job 38:32 Or the morning star in its season
- Job 38:32 Or out Leo
- Job 38:33 Or their
- Job 38:36 That is, wisdom about the flooding of the Nile
- Job 38:36 That is, understanding of when to crow; the meaning of the Hebrew for this verse is uncertain.
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified) (CCB)
Chinese Contemporary Bible Copyright © 1979, 2005, 2007, 2011 by Biblica® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.