Job 35

1 In response, Elihu said:ISV — Job 35:1

2 “Are you saying that it’s just for you to claim, ‘I’m more righteous than God?’ISV — Job 35:2

3 After all, you’ve asked what your benefit will be: ‘What will I profit from refraining from sin?’ISV — Job 35:3

4 I’m going to respond to that statement, and to your friends with you.”ISV — Job 35:4

5 “Observe the heavens! Take a look around! Look! The clouds are higher than you, aren’t they?ISV — Job 35:5

6 If you sin, what will that do to harm him? If you add transgression to transgression what will it do to him?ISV — Job 35:6

7 If you are righteous, what will you add to him? What can God receive from your efforts? ^{a35:7 Lit. hand}ISV — Job 35:7

8 Your wickedness affects only ^{b35:8 The Heb. lacks only} yourself; and your righteousness, only human beings. ^{c35:8 Lit. only a son of man}ISV — Job 35:8

9 “They cry out because they have many oppressors; they cry for help because the powerful are abusing them. ^{d35:9 Lit. because of the arm of the powerful}ISV — Job 35:9

10 He never asks, ‘Where is God, my Creator, who gives me songs in the night,ISV — Job 35:10

11 who teaches us more than the earth’s wild animals, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’ISV — Job 35:11

12 “They cry out there, but he doesn’t answer because of the arrogance of those who practice evil.ISV — Job 35:12

13 Theirs is a useless plea— God won’t listen; the Almighty won’t pay any attention.ISV — Job 35:13

14 Even 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.ISV — Job 35:14

15 “So now, if he doesn’t inflict punishment in his anger, then he doesn’t keep track of your many transgressions.ISV — Job 35:15

16 When he began speaking, he communicated only worthlessness; he added words upon words without knowing anything.”ISV — Job 35:16