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.

Chapter 35.

Then Elihu continued and said: "Do you think this is just? You say, 'My righteousness is more than God's.' For you ask, 'What good does it do you? What do I gain by not sinning?' I will answer you, and your friends along with you. Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds, which are higher than you. If you sin, what do you accomplish against him? And if your rebellions are many, what do you do to him? If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a fellow human. People cry out under the weight of many oppressions; they call for help against the arm of the mighty. But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?' There they cry out, but he gives no answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God does not listen to an empty cry; the Almighty pays it no attention. How 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. And now, because his anger has not yet punished, and he has taken little notice of foolishness. Job opens his mouth with empty talk; he multiplies words without knowledge."