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Liber Iob, 35

1. Igitur Eliu haec rursum locutus est:

1. And Eli'hu said:

2. “Numquid aequa tibi videtur tua cogitatio, ut diceres: “Iustificatio mea coram Deo”?

2. "Do you think this to be just? Do you say, `It is my right before God,'

3. Dixisti enim: “Quid ad te? Vel quid tibi proderit, si ego peccavero?”.

3. that you ask, `What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?'

4. Itaque ego respondebo sermonibus tuis et amicis tuis tecum.

4. I will answer you and your friends with you.

5. Suspice caelum et intuere et contemplare nubes quod altiores te sint.

5. Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you.

6. Si peccaveris, quid facies ei? Et si multiplicatae fuerint iniquitates tuae, quid facies contra eum?

6. If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?

7. Porro si iuste egeris, quid donabis ei? Aut quid de manu tua accipiet?

7. If you are righteous, what do you give to him; or what does he receive from your hand?

8. Homini, qui similis tui est, nocebit impietas tua, et filium hominis adiuvabit iustitia tua.

8. Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself, and your righteousness a son of man.

9. Propter multitudinem oppressorum clamabunt et eiulabunt propter vim brachii tyrannorum,

9. "Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.

10. sed nemo dixit: “Ubi est Deus, qui fecit me, qui dedit carmina in nocte,

10. But none says, `Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,

11. qui docet nos super iumenta terrae et super volucres caeli erudit nos?”.

11. who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?'

12. Ibi clamabunt, et non exaudiet, propter superbiam malorum.

12. There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.

13. Etiam, frustra: non audiet Deus, et Omnipotens non intuebitur.

13. Surely God does not hear an empty cry, nor does the Almighty regard it.

14. Omnino cum dixeris: “Non considerat”, iudicium est coram illo, et exspectas eum.

14. How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him!

15. Et nunc cum dicis: “Ira eius poenas non infert, nec ulciscitur scelus valde”,

15. And now, because his anger does not punish, and he does not greatly heed transgression,

16. Iob frustra aperit os suum et absque scientia verba multiplicat”.

16. Job opens his mouth in empty talk, he multiplies words without knowledge."



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Footnotes:

35:1-4 - Elihu challenges Job's view of suffering and God's justice, emphasizing the importance of humility in addressing profound questions about divine nature and human pain (see also Proverbs 3:7 and Romans 12:3).

35:6-8 - Elihu argues that human sin does not directly affect God, but has consequences that impact human beings. This reveals the relationship between action and consequence in the life of the believer (see also Galatians 6:7-8 and Ezekiel 18:30-32).

35:9-13 - Elihu mentions that oppression may lead men to cry out to God, but the lack of response is not a sign of indifference. This highlights the complexity of the relationship between human suffering and divine response (see also Psalm 34:17-18 and Matthew 7:7-8).

35:14-16 - Elihu criticizes Job's view of God's apparent lack of justice. He emphasizes that hope must be maintained, even in the midst of adversity, for God always acts according to His wisdom (see also Psalm 27:14 and Romans 8:28).

35:17-18 - Elihu concludes that hope and faith in God are fundamental in times of suffering. This message is an invitation to trust in God, who is sovereign and just, even when circumstances seem unfair (see also Psalm 37:5 and Hebrews 10:23).

Verses related to Liber Iob, 35:

Job chapter 35 presents Elihu's third speech. What is the impact of human conduct on God? In this provocative text, Elihu questions the idea that human righteousness or sin directly affects God, arguing that human actions primarily impact other human beings. The chapter explores themes such as divine transcendence, the purpose of prayer, and God's apparent indifference. Job 35 challenges simplistic conceptions about the relationship between God and man. Consider with us five biblical passages that elucidate the intriguing themes of this philosophical chapter.

Psalms 50:21: "These things you did, and I was silent; You thought I was like you. But now I rebuke you and bring my accusations against you." - This psalm echoes Elihu's argument in Job 35 that God's silence does not imply His approval or indifference.

Ecclesiastes 5:2: "Do not be hasty with your lips, nor hasty with your heart to make promises before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few." - This warning reflects Elihu's advice in Job 35 about the need for humility when addressing God.

Isaiah 1:15: "When you stretch out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if they multiply their prayers, I will not hear them! Your hands are full of blood!" - This passage from Isaiah illustrates Elihu's point in Job 35 that wickedness can prevent prayers from being heard.

Micah 3:4: "Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done." - This verse complements Elihu's argument in Job 35 about why God sometimes does not answer prayers.

Proverbs 15:29: "The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous." - This proverb summarizes Elihu's main point in Job 35 about the relationship between righteousness and the effectiveness of prayer.

FAQ:

What does Elihu say about the futility of self-righteousness?

He asserts that human righteousness does not affect God, for He is sovereign, and that sin harms the sinner himself. (Job 35:6-8)

Why does Elihu say that God may not answer the cry of the afflicted?

He explains that God does not answer those who cry out insincerely or out of pride, but hears those who humble themselves before Him. (Job 35:12-13)

How does Elihu respond to the accusation that God doesn't care?

He affirms that God rules with justice and that human suffering does not mean divine abandonment, but an opportunity for learning. (Job 35:14)

What does Elihu say about man's impatience with God?

He points out that men are impatient and do not understand God's timing, judging His actions hastily. (Job 35:15-16)

How does Elihu refute the idea that righteousness guarantees benefits?

He says that man's righteousness does not put God in debt, for He is already sovereign and acts according to His will. (Job 35:7-9)


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