[1] And Eli'hu continued, and said: [2] "Bear with me a little, and I will
show you, for I have yet something to say on God's behalf. [3] I will fetch
my knowledge from afar, and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. [4] For
truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
[5] "Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in
strength of understanding. [6] He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives
the afflicted their right. [7] He does not withdraw his eyes from the
righteous, but with kings upon the throne he sets them for ever, and they
are exalted. [8] And if they are bound in fetters and caught in the cords
of affliction, [9] then he declares to them their work and their
transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly. [10] He opens their ears
to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity. [11] If they
hearken and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their
years in pleasantness. [12] But if they do not hearken, they perish by the
sword, and die without knowledge. [13] "The godless in heart cherish anger;
they do not cry for help when he binds them. [14] They die in youth, and
their life ends in shame. [15] He delivers the afflicted by their
affliction, and opens their ear by adversity. [16] He also allured you out
of distress into a broad place where there was no cramping, and what was
set on your table was full of fatness. [17] "But you are full of the
judgment on the wicked; judgment and justice seize you. [18] Beware lest
wrath entice you into scoffing; and let not the greatness of the ransom
turn you aside. [19] Will your cry avail to keep you from distress, or all
the force of your strength? [20] Do not long for the night, when peoples
are cut off in their place. [21] Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, for
this you have chosen rather than affliction. [22] Behold, God is exalted in
his power; who is a teacher like him? [23] Who has prescribed for him his
way, or who can say, ` who can say, "Thou hast done wrong'? [24] "Remember
to extol his work, of which men have sung. [25] All men have looked on it;
man beholds it from afar. [26] Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
the number of his years is unsearchable. [27] For he draws up the drops of
water, he distils his mist in rain [28] which the skies pour down, and drop
upon man abundantly. [29] Can any one understand the spreading of the
clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion? [30] Behold, he scatters his
lightning about him, and covers the roots of the sea. [31] For by these he
judges peoples; he gives food in abundance. [32] He covers his hands with
the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark. [33] Its crashing
declares concerning him, who is jealous with anger against iniquity.
