NET Bible

Elihu’s Fourth Speech1

^36:1 Elihu said further:

^36:2 “Be patient with me a little longer, and I will instruct you, for I still have words to speak on God’s behalf. ^36:3 With my knowledge I will speak comprehensively, and to my Creator I will ascribe righteousness. ^36:4 For in truth, my words are not false; it is one complete in knowledge who is with you. ^36:5 Indeed, God is mighty, and he does not despise people; he is mighty, and firm in his intent. ^36:6 He does not allow the wicked to live, but he gives justice to the poor. ^36:7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous; but with kings on the throne he seats the righteous and exalts them forever. ^36:8 But if they are bound in chains and held captive by the cords of affliction, ^36:9 then he reveals to them what they have done and their transgressions, that they were behaving proudly. ^36:10 And he reveals this for correction and says that they must turn from evil. ^36:11 If they obey and serve him, they live out their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness. ^36:12 But if they refuse to listen, they pass over the river of death and expire without knowledge. ^36:13 The godless at heart nourish anger; they do not cry out even when he binds them. ^36:14 They die in their youth, and their life ends among the male cultic prostitutes. ^36:15 He delivers the afflicted by their afflictions; he reveals himself to them by their suffering. ^36:16 And surely, he drew you from the mouth of distress, to a wide place, unrestricted, and to the comfort of your table filled with rich food. ^36:17 But now you are preoccupied with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice take hold of you. ^36:18 Be careful that no one entices you with riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside. ^36:19 Would your wealth sustain you, so that you would not be in distress, even all your mighty efforts? ^36:20 Do not long for the cover of night to drag people away from their homes. ^36:21 Take heed; do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction. ^36:22 Indeed, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him? ^36:23 Who has prescribed his ways for him? Or said to him, ‘You have done what is wicked’? ^36:24 Remember to extol his work, which people have praised in song. ^36:25 All humanity has seen it; people gaze on it from afar.

The Work and Wisdom of God

^36:26 “Yes, God is great—beyond our knowledge! The number of his years is unsearchable. ^36:27 He draws up drops of water; they distill the rain into its mist, ^36:28 which the clouds pour down and shower on humankind abundantly. ^36:29 Who can understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion? ^36:30 See how he scattered his lightning about him; he has covered the depths of the sea. ^36:31 It is by these that he judges the nations and supplies food in abundance. ^36:32 With his hands he covers the lightning and directs it against its target. ^36:33 His thunder announces the coming storm, the cattle also, concerning the storm’s approach.