Elihu Speaks Again
Elihu argues that human sin and human goodness change nothing for God, who is higher than the clouds; they land on other people. The oppressed cry out, but nobody asks where their Maker is, who gives songs in the night. So Job multiplies words without knowledge.
35 1Then Elihu continued and said: 2"Do you think this is just? You say, 'My righteousness is more than God's.' 3For you ask, 'What good does it do you? What do I gain by not sinning?' 4I will answer you, and your friends along with you. 5Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds, which are higher than you. 6If you sin, what do you accomplish against him? And if your rebellions are many, 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 affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a fellow human. 9People cry out under the weight of many oppressions; they call for help against 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 beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?' 12There they cry out, but he gives no answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13Surely God does not listen to an empty cry; the Almighty pays it no attention. 14How much less, then, will he answer when you say you do not see him—though your case is before him and you must wait for him. 15And now, because his anger has not yet punished, and he has taken little notice of foolishness. 16Job opens his mouth with empty talk; he multiplies words without knowledge."
