Job 35

In this speech Elihu first states Job’s supposed opinions (2-4); and then replies to them. He asserts that men, by their sins or by their uprightness, do not injure or profit God, but themselves; and therefore God has no interest in being partial (5-8); and that, though many cry out and are not heard, it is because they find fault with God, instead of seeking His help (9-16).

2. My righteousness is more than God’s. Better: “My righteousness is before God”; i.e., I am upright in His sight.

3. For thou saidst, etc. Or, “For thou saidst, What advantage will it (i.e., uprightness) be to thee (i.e., Job); what profit shall I have [by it] more than by my sin?” See R.V.

4. And thy companions with thee. i.e., persons like-minded with Job (not the three friends).

9 they make the oppressed to cry. Rather, “men cry aloud”: referring to xxiv. 12; xxx. 20.

10. But none saith, etc. The cry (ver. 9) is the natural utterance of sorrow, not a yearning after God. “Songs in the night”: consolation in adversity: see Acts xvi. 25.

12. There they cry. Read, “Then they cry, because of the pride of evil men; but none giveth answer.”

14. Although thou sayest, etc. This and the following verses may be rendered thus: “How much less if thou sayest thou dost not regard Him! the cause is before Him, and thou shouldest wait for Him. But now, as there is no infliction of His anger, and he taketh no note of [Job’s] great arrogance, therefore Job openeth his mouth rashly; without knowledge he multiplieth words.”