Elihu Proclaims God’s Goodness

36 Elihu also proceeded and said:

2 “Bear with me a little, and I will show you

That there are yet words to speak on God’s behalf.

3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar;

I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

4 For truly my words are not false;

One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

5 “Behold, God is mighty, but despises no one;

aHe is mighty in strength 1of understanding.

6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked,

But gives justice to the boppressed.

7 cHe does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous;

But dthey are on the throne with kings,

For He has seated them forever,

And they are exalted.

8 And eif they are bound in 2fetters,

Held in the cords of affliction,

9 Then He tells them their work and their transgressions—

That they have acted 3defiantly.

10 fHe also opens their ear to 4instruction,

And commands that they turn from iniquity.

11 If they obey and serve Him,

They shall gspend their days in prosperity,

And their years in pleasures.

12 But if they do not obey,

They shall perish by the sword,

And they shall die 5without hknowledge.

13 “But the hypocrites in heart istore up wrath;

They do not cry for help when He binds them.

14 jThey 6die in youth,

And their life ends among the 7perverted persons.

15 He delivers the poor in their affliction,

And opens their ears in oppression.

16 “Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress,

kInto a broad place where there is no restraint;

And lwhat is set on your table would be full of mrichness.

17 But you are filled with the judgment due the nwicked;

Judgment and justice take hold of you.

18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with one blow;

For oa large ransom would not help you avoid it.

19 pWill your riches,

Or all the mighty forces,

Keep you from distress?

20 Do not desire the night,

When people are cut off in their place.

21 Take heed, qdo not turn to iniquity,

For ryou have chosen this rather than affliction.

22 “Behold, God is exalted by His power;

Who teaches like Him?

23 sWho has assigned Him His way,

Or who has said, ‘You have done twrong’?