Elihu Speaks Again

1In response, Elihu said:

2“Are you saying that it’s just for you to claim,

‘I’m more righteous than God?’

3After all, you’ve asked what your benefit will be:

‘What will I profit from refraining from sin?’

4I’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?

6If you sin, what will that do to harm him?

If you add transgression to transgression

what will it do to him?

7If you are righteous, what will you add to him?

What can God receive from your efforts?a

8Your wickedness affects onlyb 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

10He never asks, ‘Where is God, my Creator,

who gives me songs in the night,

11who 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.

13Theirs is a useless plea—

God won’t listen;

the Almighty won’t pay any attention.

14Even 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.

16When he began speaking, he communicated only worthlessness;

he added words upon words without knowing anything.”