Job 35

In this chapter, Elihu continues addressing Job, challenging his perspective on righteousness and justice. Elihu argues that Job's complaints suggest that he believes human behavior has a direct impact on God, which Elihu disagrees with. He emphasizes God's transcendence and questions Job's claim of innocence, urging him to consider that God’s justice operates beyond human understanding.

Job 35:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Moreover Elihu answered and said:
2 “Do you think this is right? Do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?
3 For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?’
4 I will answer you, and your companions with you.
5 Look to the heavens and see; and behold the clouds—they are higher than you."

Elihu begins by accusing Job of suggesting that his own righteousness surpasses God's, which he views as a dangerous attitude. He points out that Job seems to question the value of righteousness, suggesting that if there is no benefit from God for being righteous, then there is no difference between being good or sinful. Elihu then directs Job to look at the heavens as a reminder of God’s greatness and the insignificance of human complaints in comparison to His majesty.

Job 35:6-8 (NKJV)
6 "If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness affects a man such as you, and your righteousness a son of man."

Elihu continues by emphasizing that human actions, whether sinful or righteous, do not affect God directly. He argues that human wickedness or righteousness has consequences for other people, but not for God Himself. Elihu stresses that God is beyond being influenced by human deeds, and that righteousness is beneficial for humans, not because it changes God's nature or decisions.

Job 35:9-12 (NKJV)
9 “Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; they cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty.
10 But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,
11 Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’
12 There they cry out, but He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men."

Elihu explains that people often cry out to God when they are oppressed, but they fail to seek God with sincerity. Instead of turning to God as their Maker, who provides comfort and wisdom, they cry out without true humility or recognition of His role in their lives. Elihu suggests that God does not respond to these cries because they are rooted in pride and arrogance, rather than a genuine desire to know Him.

Job 35:13-16 (NKJV)
13 "Surely God will not listen to empty talk, nor will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although you say you do not see Him, yet justice is before Him, and you must wait for Him.
15 And now, because He has not punished in His anger, nor taken much notice of folly,
16 Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain; he multiplies words without knowledge."

Elihu concludes by asserting that God does not listen to insincere or empty pleas. Although Job cannot see God or understand His actions, Elihu insists that justice is always in God's hands, and Job must be patient. He criticizes Job for speaking without knowledge, suggesting that Job’s many words are spoken in vain, as they fail to grasp the true nature of God’s justice and timing. Elihu believes Job’s complaints stem from a lack of understanding and are not based on wisdom.