Job 35
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 35
1 [a]Then Elihu answered and said:
2 Do you think it right to say,
“I am in the right, not God”?(A)
3 When you ask what it profits you,
“What advantage do I have from not sinning?”(B)
4 I have words for a reply to you[b]
and your friends as well.
5 Look up to the skies and see;
behold the heavens high above you.
6 If you sin, what do you do to God?
Even if your offenses are many, how do you affect him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give him,
or what does he receive from your hand?(C)
8 Your wickedness affects only someone like yourself,
and your justice, only a fellow human being.
9 In great oppression people cry out;
they call for help because of the power of the great,
10 No one says, “Where is God, my Maker,
who gives songs in the night,
11 Teaches us more than the beasts of the earth,
and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?”
12 Though thus they cry out, he does not answer
because of the pride of the wicked.
13 But it is idle to say God does not hear
or that the Almighty does not take notice.
14 Even though you say, “You take no notice of it,”[c]
the case is before him; with trembling wait upon him.
15 But now that you have done otherwise, God’s anger punishes,
nor does he show much concern over a life.
16 Yet Job to no purpose opens his mouth,
multiplying words without knowledge.(D)
Footnotes
- 35:1 See note on 34:1.
- 35:4 A reply to you: Elihu refers to Job’s statement that the innocent suffer as much as the wicked, and especially to Eliphaz’s words in 22:2–3.
- 35:14–15 The text here is uncertain. It seems to indicate that Job should have realized God’s indifference is only apparent, and that, because he has not done so, God will punish him.
Job 35
King James Version
35 Elihu spake moreover, and said,
2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
4 I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.
5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?
8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.
9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.
10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.
15 But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:
16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
Job 35
International Standard Version
Elihu Speaks Again
35 In response, Elihu said:
2 “Are you saying that it’s just for you to claim,
‘I’m more righteous than God?’
3 After all, you’ve asked what your benefit will be:
‘What will I profit from refraining from sin?’
4 I’m going to respond to that statement,
and to your friends with you.”
God’s Justice Remains Unsullied
5 “Observe the heavens! Take a look around!
Look! The clouds are higher than you, aren’t they?
6 If you sin, what will that do to harm him?
If you add transgression to transgression
what will it do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what will you add to him?
What can God receive from your efforts?[a]
8 Your wickedness affects only[b] yourself;
and your righteousness, only human beings.[c]
9 “They cry out because they have many oppressors;
they cry for help because the powerful are abusing them.[d]
10 He never asks, ‘Where is God, my Creator,
who gives me songs in the night,
11 who teaches us more than the earth’s wild animals,
and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’
12 “They cry out there, but he doesn’t answer
because of the arrogance of those who practice evil.
13 Theirs is a useless plea—
God won’t listen;
the Almighty won’t pay any attention.
14 Even though you complain that you can’t perceive him,
your case is already pending for judgment in his presence
so keep on placing your hope in him.
15 “So now, if he doesn’t inflict punishment in his anger,
then he doesn’t keep track of your many transgressions.
16 When he began speaking, he communicated only worthlessness;
he added words upon words without knowing anything.”
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
