Job 36

1 Elihu responded again and said:ISV — Job 36:1

2 “Be patient with me a moment longer, and I’ll show you that there’s more to say on God’s behalf.ISV — Job 36:2

3 I’ll take what I know to its logical conclusion ^{a36:3 Lit. I’ll bring my knowledge from a long ways away} and ascribe righteousness to my Creator,ISV — Job 36:3

4 because what I have to say isn’t deceptive, and the one who has perfect knowledge is with you.”ISV — Job 36:4

5 “Indeed God is mighty and he doesn’t show disrespect; he is mighty and strong of heart.ISV — Job 36:5

6 He doesn’t let the wicked live; he grants justice to the afflicted.ISV — Job 36:6

7 He won’t stop looking at righteous people; he seats them on thrones with kings forever, and they are exalted.ISV — Job 36:7

8 “If they’re bound in chains, caught in ropes of affliction,ISV — Job 36:8

9 he’ll reveal their actions to them, when their transgressions have become excessive.ISV — Job 36:9

10 He opens their ears and instructs them, commanding them to repent from evil.ISV — Job 36:10

11 If they listen and serve him, ^{b36:11 The Heb. lacks him} they’ll finish ^{c36:11 Or finish} their lives in prosperity and their years will be pleasant.ISV — Job 36:11

12 “But if they won’t listen, they’ll perish ^{d36:12 Lit. by the sword they’ll pass through} by the sword and die in their ignorance.ISV — Job 36:12

13 The godless at heart cherish ^{e36:13 Lit. lay up} anger; they won’t cry out for help when God ^{f36:13 Lit. he} afflicts ^{g36:13 Lit. binds} them.ISV — Job 36:13

14 They ^{h36:14 Lit. Their souls} die in their youth; and their life will end ^{i36:14 The Heb. lacks will end} among temple prostitutes.ISV — Job 36:14

15 He’ll deliver the afflicted through their afflictions and open their ears when they are oppressed.”ISV — Job 36:15

16 “Indeed, he drew you away from the brink of distress to a spacious place without constraints, filling your festive ^{j36:16 Lit. restful} table with bountiful ^{k36:16 Lit. fat} food.ISV — Job 36:16

17 But now you are occupied with the case of the wicked; but justice and judgment will be served.ISV — Job 36:17

18 So that no one entices you with riches, don’t let a large ransom turn you astray.ISV — Job 36:18

19 “Will your wealth sustain you when you’re in distress, despite your most powerful efforts? ^{l36:19 Or your force of strength}ISV — Job 36:19

20 Don’t long for night, when people vanish ^{m36:20 Lit. go up} in their place.ISV — Job 36:20

21 Be careful! Don’t turn to evil, because of this you will be tried by more than affliction.ISV — Job 36:21

22 “Indeed, God is exalted in his power. Who is like him as a teacher?ISV — Job 36:22

23 Who ordained his path for him, and who has asked him, ‘You are wrong, aren’t you?’ISV — Job 36:23

24 Remember to magnify his awesome activities, about which mortal man has sung.ISV — Job 36:24

25 All of mankind sees him; human beings observe him from afar off.”ISV — Job 36:25

26 “God is truly awesome, beyond what we know; the number of his years is unknowable. ^{n36:26 Or unreachable}ISV — Job 36:26

27 He draws up drops of water, distilling it to rain and mist. ^{o36:27 Or distilling rain into mist}ISV — Job 36:27

28 When the clouds pour down; ^{p36:28 Or drops} they drop their rain on all of humanity.ISV — Job 36:28

29 “Furthermore, can anyone understand cloud patterns, or the thundering in his pavilion?ISV — Job 36:29

30 He scatters his lightning above it, and covers the bottom ^{q36:30 Or root} of the sea.ISV — Job 36:30

31 He uses them to judge some people and give food to many.ISV — Job 36:31

32 His hands are covered with lightning that he commands to strike his designated target.ISV — Job 36:32

33 His thunder ^{r36:33 Lit. shout} declares his presence; and tells the animals what is coming.”ISV — Job 36:33