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34:1  Elihu said:
34:2  You men think you are wise, but just listen to me!
34:3  Think about my words, as you would taste food.
34:4  Then we can decide the case and give a just verdict.
34:5  Job claims he is innocent and God is guilty of mistreating him.
34:6  Job also argues that God considers him a liar and that he is suffering severely in spite of his innocence.
34:7  But to tell the truth, Job is shameless!
34:8  He spends his time with sinners,
34:9  because he has said, “It doesn't pay to please God.”
34:10  If any of you are smart, you will listen and learn that God All-Powerful does what is right.
34:11  God always treats everyone the way they deserve,
34:12  and he is never unfair.
34:13  From the very beginning, God has been in control of all the world.
34:14  If God took back the breath that he breathed into us,
34:15  we humans would die and return to the soil.
34:16  So be smart and listen!
34:17  The mighty God is the one who brings about justice, and you are condemning him.
34:18  Indeed, God is the one who condemns unfair rulers.
34:19  And God created us all; he has no favorites, whether rich or poor.
34:20  Even powerful rulers die in the darkness of night when they least expect it, just like the rest of us.
34:21  God watches everything we do.
34:22  No evil person can hide in the deepest darkness.
34:23  And so, God doesn't need to set a time for judgment.
34:24  Without asking for advice, God removes mighty leaders and puts others in their place.
34:25  He knows what they are like, and he wipes them out in the middle of the night.
34:26  And while others look on, he punishes them because they were evil
34:27  and refused to obey him.
34:28  The persons they mistreated had prayed for help, until God answered their prayers.
34:29  When God does nothing, can any person or nation find fault with him?
34:30  But still, he punishes rulers who abuse their people.
34:31  Job, you should tell God that you are guilty and promise to do better.
34:32  Then ask him to point out what you did wrong, so you won't do it again.
34:33  Do you make the rules, or does God? You have to decide— I can't do it for you; now make up your mind.
34:34  Job, anyone with good sense can easily see
34:35  that you are speaking nonsense and lack good judgment.
34:36  So I pray for you to suffer as much as possible for talking like a sinner.
34:37  You have rebelled against God, time after time, and have even insulted us.