Study Desk

but from my youth I raised the orphan like a father, and from my mother's womb I guided the widow!

But no stranger had to spend the night outside, for I opened my doors to the traveler—

But when Elihu saw that the three men had no further reply, he became very angry.

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.

But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand.

And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,

"But now, O Job, listen to my words, and hear everything I have to say!

That person sings to others, saying: ‘I have sinned and falsified what is right, but I was not punished according to what I deserved.

For Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God turns away my right.

But if God is quiet, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, then who can see him? Yet he is over the individual and the nation alike,

"Has anyone said to God, ‘I have endured chastisement, but I will not act wrongly any more.

Is it your opinion that God should recompense it, because you reject this? But you must choose, and not I, so tell us what you know.

But Job will be tested to the end, because his answers are like those of wicked men.

But you say, ‘What will it profit you,' and, ‘What do I gain by not sinning?'

But no one says, ‘Where is God, my Creator, who gives songs in the night,

Then they cry out—but he does not answer— because of the arrogance of the wicked.

He does not allow the wicked to live, but he gives justice to the poor.

He does not take his eyes off the righteous; but with kings on the throne he seats the righteous and exalts them forever.

But if they are bound in chains, and held captive by the cords of affliction,

But if they refuse to listen, they pass over the river of death, and expire without knowledge.