Job 35
Job 35 is a chapter in which Elihu delivers instruction to Job and his friends once again. Elihu discusses Job’s questions about God’s justice and human conduct—namely, what human beings mean in the sight of God and the value of their righteousness. Elihu points out Job’s attitude of considering himself righteous and his doubts about God, and explains in depth the relationship between God’s greatness, His transcendence, and the connection between human actions and God’s response.
1verseMoreover Elihu answered,
2verse“Do you think this to be your right, or do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s,’
3versethat you ask, ‘What advantage will it be to you? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?’
4verseI will answer you, and your companions with you.
5verseLook to the skies, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.
6verseIf you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
7verseIf you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?
8verseYour wickedness may hurt a man as you are, and your righteousness may profit a son of man.
9verse“By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.
10verseBut no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,
11versewho teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’
12verseThere they cry, but no one answers, because of the pride of evil men.
13verseSurely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.
14verseHow much less when you say you don’t see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him!
15verseBut now, because he has not visited in his anger, neither does he greatly regard arrogance,
16versetherefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.”
The Flow and Structure of the Passage
- Verses 1-3: Elihu asks Job questions, inquiring how a person’s righteousness or wickedness affects God.
- Verses 4-8: He emphasizes that while a person’s goodness affects humanity and wickedness affects fellow human beings, God is a transcendent Being and is not fundamentally affected by what humans do.
- Verses 9-13: When people are oppressed, they cry out to God, but he points out that they are trying to be saved only because of their troubles, lacking true humility or repentance.
- Verses 14-16: Elihu concludes the chapter by urging Job to be cautious and patient with his words regarding God’s silence, and by addressing Job’s frustration.
The Meaning of the Whole Chapter
The most noteworthy point in this chapter is that God’s response to human actions cannot be understood as solely human-centered. God is the One whose nature does not change or weaken according to human conduct, and nothing that is good or wicked in humans has any effect on God Himself. However, it can bring significant consequences for our lives, our communities, and our relationship with God. It also shows the need for true humility and reflection before God.
Points to Ponder
- What do I think my own righteousness means to God? Where do the motives for my actions come from?
- When I cry out to God, do I have true humility and repentance at the center of my heart, or am I only focusing on resolving the situation?
- Between God’s transcendence and human limitations, how do I look to God and trust in Him?
Applying It to Me
- Take time to reflect on my thoughts and actions before God, and try approaching Him with genuine humility
- Review what I can put into practice to have a good influence on others in my life
- When I pray, check my motives and attitude, and take the heart to trust in God’s greatness beyond the circumstances
