[1] Eliu also proceeded, and said: [2] Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee: for I have yet somewhat to speak in God’s behalf. [3] I will repeat my knowledge from the beginning, and I will prove my Maker just. [4] For indeed my words are without a lie, and perfect knowledge shall be proved to thee. [5] God doth not cast away the mighty, whereas he himself also is mighty.
[6] But he saveth not the wicked, and he giveth judgment to the poor. [7] He will not take away his eyes from the just, and he placeth kings on the throne for ever, and they are exalted. [8] And if they shall be in chains, and be bound with the cords of poverty: [9] He shall shew them their works, and their wicked deeds, because they have been violent. [10] He also shall open their ear, to correct them: and shall speak, that they may return from iniquity.
[11] If they shall hear and observe, they shall accomplish their days in good, and their years in glory. [12] But if they hear not, they shall pass by the sword, and shall be consumed in folly. [13] Dissemblers and crafty men prove the wrath of God, neither shall they cry when they are bound. [14] Their soul shall die in a storm, and their life among the effeminate. [15] He shall deliver the poor out of his distress, and shall open his ear in affliction.
[16] Therefore he shall set thee at large out of the narrow mouth, and which hath no foundation under it: and the rest of thy table shall be full of fatness. [17] Thy cause hath been judged as that of the wicked, cause and judgment thou shalt recover. [18] Therefore let not anger overcome thee to oppress any man: neither let multitude of gifts turn thee aside. [19] Lay down thy greatness without tribulation, and all the mighty of strength. [20] Prolong not the night that people may come up for them.
[21] Beware thou turn not aside to iniquity: for this thou hast begun to follow after misery. [22] Behold, God is high in his strength, and none is like him among the lawgivers. [23] Who can search out his ways? or who can say to him: Thou has wrought iniquity? [24] Remember that thou knowest not his work, concerning which men have sung. [25] All men see him, every one beholdeth afar off.
[26] Behold, God is great, exceeding our knowledge: the number of his years is inestimable. [27] He lifteth up the drops of rain, and poureth out showers like floods: [28] Which flow from the clouds that cover all above. [29] If he will spread out clouds as his tent, [30] And lighten with his light from above, he shall cover also the ends of the sea.
[31] For by these he judgeth people, and giveth food to many mortals. [32] In his hands he hideth the light, and commandeth it to come again. [33] He sheweth his friend concerning it, that it is his possession, and that he may come up to it.
Commentary
[16] “Out of the narrow mouth”: That is, out of hell, whose entrance is narrow, and its depth bottomless; but figuratively meant here, that is, from his miseries and calamity to be restored to his former state of happiness.
[21] “For this thou hast begun to follow after misery”: Eliu charges Job, that notwithstanding his misery, he does not fear God as he ought: but in his judgment, falls into iniquity.
See our catalogue of Catholic books and audiobooks:
https://vivacristorey.org/en/catalogue/
