Job 34
New Catholic Bible
Elihu’s Second Speech[a]
Chapter 34
Let Us Explore What Is Right.[b] 1 Then Elihu continued and said:
2 “Listen to my words, you wise men;
you men of learning, hear what I have to say.
3 For the ear tests the value of words
as the palate does with food.
4 “Let us consider together what is right;
let us determine among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job has said, ‘I am innocent,
but God has denied me justice;
6 I am in desperate straits
despite the fact that I have done no wrong.’
7 “Was there ever a man like Job
with his thirst for blasphemous charges,
8 who keeps company with evildoers
and travels with wicked men?
9 Did he not state that no one derives any benefit
by being pleasing to God?
God Does Not Pervert Justice
10 “Therefore, listen to me like intelligent men.
Far be it from God to do evil;[c]
far be it from the Almighty to be unjust.
11 He requites everyone according to his deeds,
ensuring that he will receive what his conduct deserves.
12 There can be no doubt that God will never do wrong;
the Almighty will not pervert justice.
13 “Did someone else entrust the world to his keeping?
Who but he established the whole world?
14 If he were to take back his Spirit to himself
and withdraw back into himself his breath,
15 all flesh would perish instantaneously
and mankind would turn again to dust.
16 “If you have any semblance of intelligence, O Job,
pay attention to what I am saying.
17 How could an enemy of justice ever govern?
Would you dare to condemn the Righteous One, the Almighty,
18 who says to a king, ‘You are a scoundrel,’
and to nobles, ‘You are wicked men’?
19 “He shows no special respect to princes,
nor does he make any distinction between rich and poor,
for they are all the work of his hands.
20 They die suddenly, without warning,
in the middle of the night;
at his touch the rich are no more,
and he removes the mighty without lifting a finger.
God’s Eyes Observe the Ways of Humans
21 “For his eyes observe the ways of humans,
and he watches every step they take.
22 Nowhere is there darkness or gloom so dense
where evildoers may conceal themselves.
23 He forewarns no one when his time will come
to appear before God for judgment.
24 Without holding a trial he shatters the mighty
and establishes others in their place.
25 Knowing the sinful deeds they do,
he overthrows them at night and they are crushed.
26 “He strikes them down for their crimes
while others look on,
27 because they have turned away from following him
and paid no heed to any of his ways.
28 But they caused the cries of the poor to reach him,
so that he heard the anguished appeal of the afflicted.
29 “But if he remains silent and no one can condemn him,
and if he hides his face so that no one can behold him,
it is because he rules over nations and individuals
30 to prevent a godless man from ruling
and to set some wrongdoer free from affliction.
Job Is a Rebel to God[d]
31 “Suppose someone were to say to God,
‘I was wrong, but I will not offend anymore;
32 instruct me how to avoid sin
so that I will not do it again.’
33 In your opinion, should God then punish such a person
because he rejected his laws?
For it is up to you to decide, not me;
therefore, please enlighten us.
34 “Men of intelligence will say to me,
and any wise listener will assert:
35 ‘Job speaks without knowledge;[e]
what he says lacks any intelligence.’
36 Would that Job be tried to the limit,
since his answers are those of the wicked.
37 For he is adding rebellion to his sin
by making an end of justice among us
and insulting God with abusive words.”
Footnotes
- Job 34:1 Elihu’s thoughts become more spirited. He reaches the heart of the dispute: human suffering in the face of God’s justice.
- Job 34:1 The entire problem lies herein. Elihu mounts a fiery defense of God.
- Job 34:10 Far be it from God to do evil: Elihu is answering a charge that God does evil, which Job in his frustration has intimated; for he has insisted that God is punishing him wrongfully and allowing evildoers to flourish (Job 24:1-12).
- Job 34:31 Exacerbated by his torment, Job has forgotten mercy and, in the view of Elihu, he speaks like a sinner who is entrenched in his rebellion.
- Job 34:35 Job speaks without knowledge: this theme is found also in God’s first response (Job 38:2) and Job’s final response (Job 42:3).
Job 34
Holman Christian Standard Bible
34 Then Elihu continued,[a] saying:
2 Hear my words, you wise men,
and listen to me, you knowledgeable ones.
3 Doesn’t the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
4 Let us judge for ourselves what is right;
let us decide together what is good.
5 For Job has declared, “I am righteous,
yet God has deprived me of justice.(A)
6 Would I lie about my case?(B)
My wound[b] is incurable,
though I am without transgression.”
7 What man is like Job?
He drinks derision(C) like water.
8 He keeps company with evildoers
and walks with wicked men.
9 For he has said, “A man gains nothing
when he becomes God’s friend.”(D)
10 Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding.
It is impossible for God to do wrong,
and for the Almighty to act unjustly.(E)
11 For He repays(F) a person according to his deeds,
and He brings his ways on him.
12 Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly
and the Almighty does not pervert justice.(G)
13 Who gave Him authority over the earth?
Who put Him in charge of the entire world?(H)
14 If He put His mind to it
and withdrew the spirit(I) and breath He gave,
15 every living thing would perish together
and mankind would return to the dust.(J)
16 If you have understanding, hear this;
listen to what I have to say.
17 Could one who hates justice govern the world?
Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One,(K)
18 who says to a king, “Worthless man!”
and to nobles, “Wicked men!”?(L)
19 God is not partial(M) to princes
and does not favor the rich over the poor,
for they are all the work of His hands.
20 They die suddenly in the middle of the night;
people shudder, then pass away.
Even the mighty are removed without effort.
21 For His eyes watch over a man’s ways,
and He observes all his steps.(N)
22 There is no darkness, no deep darkness,
where evildoers can hide themselves.(O)
23 God does not need to examine a person further,
that one should[c] approach Him in court.
24 He shatters the mighty without an investigation
and sets others in their place.(P)
25 Therefore, He recognizes their deeds(Q)
and overthrows them by night, and they are crushed.
26 In full view of the public,[d]
He strikes them for their wickedness,
27 because they turned aside from following Him
and did not understand any of His ways
28 but caused the poor to cry out to Him,
and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.(R)
29 But when God is silent, who can declare Him guilty?
When He hides His face, who can see Him?
Yet He watches over both individuals and nations,
30 so that godless men should not rule
or ensnare the people.
31 Suppose someone says to God,
“I have endured my punishment;
I will no longer act wickedly.
32 Teach me what I cannot see;
if I have done wrong, I won’t do it again.”
33 Should God repay you on your terms
when you have rejected His?
You must choose, not I!
So declare what you know.
34 Reasonable men will say to me,
along with the wise men who hear me,
35 “Job speaks without knowledge;(S)
his words are without insight.”
36 If only Job were tested to the limit,
because his answers are like those of wicked men.
37 For he adds rebellion to his sin;
he scornfully claps(T) in our presence,
while multiplying(U) his words against God.
Job 34
New King James Version
Elihu Proclaims God’s Justice
34 Elihu further answered and said:
2 “Hear my words, you wise men;
Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.
3 (A)For the ear tests words
As the palate tastes food.
4 Let us choose justice for ourselves;
Let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 “For Job has said, (B)‘I am righteous,
But (C)God has taken away my justice;
6 (D)Should I lie concerning my right?
My [a]wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’
7 What man is like Job,
(E)Who drinks [b]scorn like water,
8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity,
And walks with wicked men?
9 For (F)he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing
That he should delight in God.’
10 “Therefore listen to me, you [c]men of understanding:
(G)Far be it from God to do wickedness,
And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.
11 (H)For He repays man according to his work,
And makes man to find a reward according to his way.
12 Surely God will never do wickedly,
Nor will the Almighty (I)pervert justice.
13 Who gave Him charge over the earth?
Or who appointed Him over the whole world?
14 If He should set His heart on it,
If He should (J)gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
15 (K)All flesh would perish together,
And man would return to dust.
16 “If you have understanding, hear this;
Listen to the sound of my words:
17 (L)Should one who hates justice govern?
Will you (M)condemn Him who is most just?
18 (N)Is it fitting to say to a king, ‘You are worthless,’
And to nobles, ‘You are wicked’?
19 Yet He (O)is not partial to princes,
Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor;
For (P)they are all the work of His hands.
20 In a moment they die, (Q)in the middle of the night;
The people are shaken and pass away;
The mighty are taken away without a hand.
21 “For(R) His eyes are on the ways of man,
And He sees all his steps.
22 (S)There is no darkness nor shadow of death
Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For He need not further consider a man,
That he should go before God in judgment.
24 (T)He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry,
And sets others in their place.
25 Therefore He knows their works;
He overthrows them in the night,
And they are crushed.
26 He strikes them as wicked men
In the open sight of others,
27 Because they (U)turned back from Him,
And (V)would not consider any of His ways,
28 So that they (W)caused the cry of the poor to come to Him;
For He (X)hears the cry of the afflicted.
29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?
And when He hides His face, who then can see Him,
Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?—
30 That the hypocrite should not reign,
Lest the people be ensnared.
31 “For has anyone said to God,
‘I have borne chastening;
I will offend no more;
32 Teach me what I do not see;
If I have done iniquity, I will do no more’?
33 Should He repay it according to your terms,
Just because you disavow it?
You must choose, and not I;
Therefore speak what you know.
34 “Men of understanding say to me,
Wise men who listen to me:
35 ‘Job(Y) speaks without knowledge,
His words are without wisdom.’
36 Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost,
Because his answers are like those of wicked men!
37 For he adds (Z)rebellion to his sin;
He claps his hands among us,
And multiplies his words against God.”
Jobi 34
Albanian Bible
34 Elihu nisi përsëri të flasë dhe tha:
2 "Dëgjoni, o njerëz të urtë, fjalët e mia, dhe ju, njerëz të ditur, ma vini veshin!
3 Sepse veshi i shqyrton fjalët, ashtu si qiellza i shijon ushqimet.
4 Le të zgjedhim ne vetë atë që është e drejtë të pranojmë midis nesh atë që është e mirë.
5 Sepse Jobi ka thënë: "Jam i drejtë, por Perëndia më ka hequr drejtësinë time.
6 A duhet të gënjej kundër drejtësisë sime? Plaga ime është e pashërueshme, megjithëse jam pa mëkat".
7 Kush është si Jobi, që e pi përqeshjen si ujin,
8 që ecën bashkë me keqbërësit dhe shkon bashkë me njerëzit e këqij?
9 Sepse ka thënë: "Nuk i vlen fare njeriut të vendosë kënaqësinë e tij te Perëndia".
10 Më dëgjoni, pra, o njerëz me mend! Qoftë larg Perëndisë paudhësia dhe ligësia qoftë larg të Plotfuqishmit!
11 Sepse ai ia kthen njeriut sipas veprave të tij dhe secilin e bën të gjejë shpërblimin për sjelljen e tij.
12 Sigurisht Perëndia nuk kryen të keqen dhe i Plotfuqishmi nuk shtrembëron drejtësinë.
13 Kush i ka besuar kujdesin për tokën, ose kush e ka vendosur mbi tërë botën?
14 Në qoftë se Perëndia duhet të vendoste në zemër të vet të tërhiqte mbi vete Frymën e tij dhe frymën e tij,
15 çdo mish do të shkatërrohej njëkohësisht, dhe njeriu do të kthehej në pluhur.
16 Në qoftë se ke mend, dëgjoje këtë, vër veshin për të dëgjuar atë që po të them.
17 A mund të qeverisë ai që urren drejtësinë? A guxon ti të dënosh të Drejtin, të Fuqishmin?
18 Ai që i thotë një mbreti: "Je për t’u përbuzur" dhe princave: "Jeni të këqij".
19 Por ai nuk bën asnjë anësi me të mëdhenjtë dhe as e konsideron të pasurin më tepër se të varfrin, sepse të gjithë janë vepra e duarve të tij.
20 Në një çast ata vdesin; në mesin e natës njerëzia tronditet dhe zhduket, të fuqishmit çohen tutje pa dorë njeriu.
21 Sepse ai i mban sytë te rrugët e njeriut, dhe shikon tërë hapat e tij.
22 Nuk ka terr as hije vdekjeje, ku mund të fshihen njerëzit e këqij.
23 Në fakt Perëndia nuk ka nevojë ta kqyrë gjatë një njeri para se ta nxjerrë për gjykim para tij.
24 Ai i ligështon të fuqishmit pa bërë hetim dhe vë të tjerë në vendin e tyre.
25 Duke qenë se i njeh veprat e tyre, i rrëzon natën dhe ata shkatërrohen;
26 i godet si njerëz të këqij para syve të të gjithëve,
27 sepse janë larguar nga ai pa u kujdesur për rrugët e tij,
28 deri sa të arrijë tek ai britma e të varfrit, sepse ai dëgjon britmën e të pikëlluarve.
29 Kur Perëndia jep qetësinë, kush do ta dënojë? Kur fsheh fytyrën e tij, kush do të mund ta shikojë, qoftë kundër një kombi të tërë ose kundër një njeriu të vetëm,
30 për të penguar që i pabesi të mbretërojë dhe që populli të zihet ndër leqe?
31 Dikush mund t’i thotë Perëndisë: "Unë e mbart fajin tim, po nuk do ta bëj më të keqen;
32 tregomë atë që nuk arrij të shikoj; në rast se kam kryer ndonjë paudhësi, nuk do ta bëj më"?
33 A duhet të të shpërblejë ai në bazë të konditave të tua, sepse ti nuk pranon gjykimin e tij? Ti duhet të zgjedhësh dhe jo unë; prandaj thuaj atë që di.
34 Njerëzit me mend; si çdo njeri i urtë që më dëgjon, do të më thonë:
35 "Jobi flet pa mend, fjalët e tij nuk kanë dituri".
36 Le të provohet Jobi deri në fund, sepse përgjigjet e tij janë si ato të njerëzve të këqij,
37 sepse i shton mëkatit të tij revoltën, rreh duart mes nesh dhe i shumëzon fjalët e tij kundër Perëndisë".
Job 34
La Palabra (España)
Fracaso de los tres sabios amigos
34 Elihú continuó con su discurso:
2 Escuchad, sabios, mis palabras;
prestadme atención los doctos,
3 pues el oído distingue las palabras
lo mismo que la boca los sabores.
4 Pongámonos de acuerdo en lo que es justo;
aclaremos entre nosotros lo que es bueno.
5 Job ha dicho: “Soy inocente,
pero Dios anula mi derecho.
6 ¿Voy a mentir sobre mi caso?
Me hieren de muerte sin culpa”.
7 ¿Hay por ventura alguien como Job,
que beba sarcasmos como agua?
8 Anda acompañado de malhechores,
busca la sociedad de los malvados,
9 y dice: “Nada se consigue
buscando el favor de Dios”.
10 Escuchadme, quienes sois sensatos:
¡Lejos de Dios la maldad,
lejos del Todopoderoso la injusticia!
11 Paga a cada uno según sus acciones,
trata a los humanos según su conducta.
12 Está claro que Dios no actúa con maldad,
que el Todopoderoso no pervierte el derecho.
13 ¿Quién le encargó del cuidado de la tierra
y le confió la custodia del universo?
14 Si decidiera por propia voluntad
retirar su espíritu y su aliento,
15 perecerían todos los vivientes,
volverían los humanos al polvo.
16 Si tienes conocimiento, escucha;
presta atención a mis palabras.
17 ¿Podría gobernar quien odia la justicia?
¿Vas a condenar al que es justo y poderoso,
18 al que puede llamar a un rey “canalla”
o tratar de “bandidos” a los nobles?
19 ¿Al que no tiene preferencia por los príncipes,
ni favorece al grande contra el débil,
porque todos han sido creados por él?
20 Todos mueren de pronto, a medianoche;
se alborota la gente y desaparecen;
el tirano es derribado sin esfuerzo.
21 Dios vigila la conducta humana,
controla cualquier comportamiento;
22 no hay sombra ni densa tiniebla
que pueda ocultar al malvado.
23 No es el ser humano quien decide
cuándo ha de comparecer ante el Dios
24 que destruye a los poderosos sin indagar
y establece a otros en su lugar.
25 Como Dios conoce bien sus acciones,
de noche los trastorna y destruye;
26 les paga su maldad azotándolos
en un lugar donde la gente los vea,
27 por haberle sido desleales,
por haber ignorado sus designios,
28 provocando ante él el grito del pobre,
haciéndole oír el gemido del necesitado.
29 Si Dios guarda silencio,
¿quién condenará al malvado?
Si oculta su rostro, ¿quién podrá verlo?
Pero él vigila a personas y países,
30 para evitar que prevalezca un impío
y someta al pueblo a su capricho.
31 Si alguien reconoce ante Dios:
“Me he enorgullecido, no lo haré más;
32 enséñame tú lo que yo no puedo ver;
si algo malo he hecho, no reincidiré”,
33 ¿debería [Dios] castigar, en tu opinión,
cuando tú rechazas su criterio?
Eres tú quien debe decidir, no yo;
demuestra todo lo que sabes.
34 Si la gente sensata me escuchara,
si los sabios me oyesen, dirían:
35 “Job no argumenta con sensatez;
sus palabras carecen de sentido.
36 Debería ser examinado hasta el extremo,
pues responde igual que los malvados;
37 se empeña en seguir pecando,
se burla de nosotros,
multiplica sus palabras contra Dios”.
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
La Palabra, (versión española) © 2010 Texto y Edición, Sociedad Bíblica de España