Study Desk

But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled and burned and he became upset with Job because he justified himself rather than God [and even expressed doubts about God's character].

"But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

"And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more?

"For Job has said, 'I am righteous [and innocent], But God has taken away my right;

"Your wickedness affects only a man such as you, And your righteousness affects only a son of man [but it cannot affect God, who is sovereign].

"But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs [of rejoicing] in the night,

"The people cry out, but He does not answer Because of the pride of evil men.

"He does not prolong the life of the wicked, But gives the afflicted their justice.

"He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous [those in right standing with Him]; But with kings upon the throne He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.

"But if they do not hear and obey, they will die by the sword [of God's destructive judgments] And they will die [in ignorance] without [true] knowledge.

"But the godless in heart store up anger [at the divine discipline]; They do not cry [to Him] for help when He binds them [with cords of affliction].

"But you [Job] were full of judgment on the wicked, Judgment and justice take hold of you.

And said, 'This far you shall come, but no farther; And here your proud waves shall stop'?

"I have spoken once, but I will not reply again— Indeed, twice [I have answered], and I will add nothing further."

"I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, But now my [spiritual] eye sees You.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God's law] are not so, But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away.

For the LORD knows and fully approves the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall perish.

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.

But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself [and dealt wonderfully with] the godly man [the one of honorable character and moral courage—the one who does right]. The LORD hears and responds when I call to Him.