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Job 35

World English Bible

WEB

1Moreover Elihu answered, 2“Do you think this to be your right, or do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s,’ 3that you ask, ‘What advantage will it be to you? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’ 4I will answer you, and your companions with you. 5Look to the skies, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you. 6If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? 7If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand? 8Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are, and your righteousness may profit a son of man. 9“By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, 11who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’ 12There they cry, but no one answers, because of the pride of evil men. 13Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it. 14How much less when you say you don’t see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him! 15But now, because he has not visited in his anger, neither does he greatly regard arrogance, 16therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Job Chapter 35 presents a continuation of the discourse by Elihu, who seeks to clarify Job's understanding of God's justice and the nature of human suffering. Elihu begins by questioning Job's complaints against God, suggesting that Job's words imply a misunderstanding of God's greatness and sovereignty. He emphasizes that God is not affected by human actions; rather, it is humanity that needs to recognize its limitations and the vastness of God's wisdom. Elihu asserts that God is beyond human comprehension and does not need to answer to us, as seen in verses like Job 35:5-6, where he encourages Job to look to the heavens and consider God's majesty and power. This highlights the theme of God's transcendence over human affairs and the importance of humility in our relationship with Him.

Elihu further argues that God does not punish people simply for their sins but allows suffering to serve as a means of teaching and refining them. He points out that the cries of the oppressed do not go unheard, and God is attentive to the plight of those who suffer. In Job 35:12-13, Elihu states that God does not answer the proud but listens to the humble. This chapter ultimately calls for a recognition of God's authority and a response of reverence and trust in His divine plan, even amidst suffering. Elihu's words serve as a reminder that while we may not always understand our circumstances, we can trust in God's perfect justice and wisdom.

In summary, Job 35 challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes toward God, urging us to approach Him with humility and faith, recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways. It encourages believers to maintain their trust in God's goodness, even when faced with trials and tribulations, as He is always aware of our struggles and is working for our ultimate good. #Job #Elihu #Suffering #GodsJustice

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