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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 36:21 Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/36-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/18_Job_36_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 36:21 - Elihu Declares God's Justice and Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/36-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/36-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/36.htm">Chapter 36</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/36-20.htm" title="Job 36:20">◄</a> Job 36:21 <a href="/job/36-22.htm" title="Job 36:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/36.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/36.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/36.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/36.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/36.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/36.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/36.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, For you have chosen this rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/36.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Be careful, do not turn to evil, For you preferred this to misery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/36.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Be careful, do not turn to evil, For you have preferred this to affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/36.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Be careful, do not turn to evil; For you have preferred this to affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/36.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Be careful, do not turn to wickedness, For you have chosen this to affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/36.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Take heed <i>and</i> be careful, do not turn to wickedness, For you have chosen this [the vice of complaining against God] rather than [learning from] affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/36.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be careful that you do not turn to iniquity, for that is why you have been tested by affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/36.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be careful that you do not turn to iniquity, for that is why you have been tested by affliction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/36.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Take heed, regard not iniquity: For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/36.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be on guard! Don't turn to evil as a way of escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/36.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/36.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Be careful! Don't turn to evil, because you have chosen evil instead of suffering. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/36.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be careful not to turn to evil; your suffering was sent to keep you from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/36.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Be careful! Don't turn to evil, because of this you will be tried by more than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/36.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/36.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/36.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Take heed, do not regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/36.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/36.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Take heed, don’t regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/36.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Take heed—do not turn to iniquity, "" For you have fixed on this "" Rather than [on] affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/36.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Take heed -- do not turn unto iniquity, For on this thou hast fixed Rather than on affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/36.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Watch thyself; thou shalt not turn to iniquity: for upon this thou didst choose rather than affliction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/36.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Beware thou turn not aside to iniquity : for this thou hast begun to follow after misery. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/36.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Be careful that you do not turn to iniquity; for, after your misery, you have begun to follow this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/36.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Be careful; do not turn to evil; for this you have preferred to affliction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/36.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Beware! Do not turn to iniquity; because of that you have been tried by affliction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/36.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Take heed, that you may not return to iniquity: because for this you were tried by poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/36.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Beware that you not be changed by evil; because of this, you are tested in poverty<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/36.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Take heed, regard not iniquity; For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/36.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But take heed lest thou do that which is wrong: for of this thou has made choice because of poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/36-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=5630" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/36.htm">Elihu Declares God's Justice and Power</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: hiš·šā·mer (V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">Be careful</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: tê·p̄en (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">to turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/205.htm" title="205: ’ā·wen (N-ms) -- From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant; strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol.">iniquity,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: bā·ḥar·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">you have preferred</a> <a href="/hebrew/6040.htm" title="6040: mê·‘ō·nî (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Affliction, poverty. From anah; depression, i.e. Misery.">to affliction.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Proverbs 4:27</a></span><br />Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></span><br />Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-11.htm">Jeremiah 18:11</a></span><br />Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am planning a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-31</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a></span><br />Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-101.htm">Psalm 119:101</a></span><br />I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Romans 6:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. / Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></span><br />Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a></span><br />to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this have you chosen rather than affliction.</p><p class="hdg">regard</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18</a></b></br> If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear <i>me</i>:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4</a></b></br> Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-29.htm">Matthew 5:29,30</a></b></br> And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast <i>it</i> from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not <i>that</i> thy whole body should be cast into hell… </p><p class="hdg">this</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-7.htm">Job 34:7-9</a></b></br> What man <i>is</i> like Job, <i>who</i> drinketh up scorning like water? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/35-3.htm">Job 35:3</a></b></br> For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? <i>and</i>, What profit shall I have, <i>if I be cleansed</i> from my sin?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a></b></br> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we <i>are</i> not careful to answer thee in this matter… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/36-15.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/job/36-18.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/job/34-13.htm">Care</a> <a href="/job/36-18.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/job/15-5.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/job/36-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/34-23.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/job/35-15.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/job/36-10.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/job/32-17.htm">Part</a> <a href="/job/7-15.htm">Prefer</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">Preferred</a> <a href="/job/32-2.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/job/35-15.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/job/35-2.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/job/35-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/job/31-38.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/job/36-18.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/job/36-10.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/job/33-27.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/9-13.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Beware</a> <a href="/job/39-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/psalms/101-2.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/job/42-11.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/38-5.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/psalms/5-1.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/job/36-23.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/job/38-36.htm">Part</a> <a href="/psalms/137-6.htm">Prefer</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Preferred</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/job/37-24.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/job/41-22.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/job/37-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/job/37-12.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/job/37-12.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Job 36</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/36-1.htm">Elihu shows how God is just in his ways</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/36-16.htm">How Job's sins hinder God's blessings</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/36-24.htm">God's works are to be magnified</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/36.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/36.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be careful not to turn to iniquity</b><br>This phrase serves as a warning against the temptation to sin. In the context of Job, Elihu is advising Job to remain steadfast in righteousness despite his suffering. The concept of turning to iniquity suggests a deliberate choice to engage in sinful behavior. Biblically, this echoes the warnings found in <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Proverbs 4:27</a>, which advises not to turn to the right or left but to keep one's foot from evil. The idea of vigilance against sin is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for constant spiritual awareness and discipline. In the New Testament, <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> warns believers to be sober-minded and watchful, as the devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.<p><b>for this you have preferred to affliction</b><br>This part of the verse suggests that there is a temptation to choose sin as a means of escaping suffering. Elihu implies that Job might be tempted to justify himself through unrighteous means rather than enduring his trials. Historically, the culture of the Ancient Near East often viewed suffering as a direct result of personal sin, which could lead individuals to seek relief through unrighteous actions. Theologically, this reflects the broader biblical narrative that suffering can be a test of faith, as seen in <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>, which encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth in perseverance and maturity. The preference for iniquity over affliction can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, in contrast, chose to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness, as described in <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>, where Jesus is depicted as enduring the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. His account is one of immense suffering and faith.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elihu.htm">Elihu</a></b><br>A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a perspective that emphasizes God's justice and sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing and ultimately restores him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a></b><br>The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, initiating his trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_sin_in_suffering.htm">Avoiding Sin in Suffering</a></b><br>Elihu warns Job not to choose sin over enduring affliction. In times of suffering, we must be vigilant not to let our pain lead us into sinful actions or attitudes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_discipline.htm">Understanding Divine Discipline</a></b><br>Affliction can be a tool used by God to refine and teach us. Recognizing this helps us to endure hardships with a perspective of growth rather than rebellion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preference_for_righteousness.htm">Preference for Righteousness</a></b><br>Our natural inclination might be to escape pain at any cost, but Elihu reminds us to prefer righteousness over comfort. This requires a heart aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_bitterness.htm">The Danger of Bitterness</a></b><br>Turning to iniquity often stems from bitterness or resentment towards God. Guarding our hearts against these feelings is crucial in maintaining faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Even when we do not understand our suffering, trusting in God's sovereign plan is essential. This trust prevents us from seeking sinful solutions to our problems.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_36.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 36</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_felix_in_the_bible.htm">Where is the Land of Uz located?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_21_19-21_clash_with_individual_sin.htm">In Job 21:19-21, does the idea of children suffering for a parent's wrongdoing clash with other biblical teachings on individual responsibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_wicked_thrive_and_righteous_suffer.htm">In Job 36:6-7, where it states the righteous are exalted while the wicked are cut off, why do wicked individuals often thrive, and the righteous sometimes suffer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_view_evil.htm">How does the Bible explain evil and suffering?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/36.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Regard not iniquity.</span>--Or, perhaps, the special sin of longing for death, for thou hast desired to die rather than bear thine affliction. Alas! Job's case is not a solitary one, for who that has been tried as he was has not longed for the end?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/36.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Take heed, regard not iniquity</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> <span class="cmt_word">be on thy guard</span>. Whilst thou art careful to preserve thy integrity and faith in God, do not fall into sin in other respects - as by impatient desires, or proud thoughts, or rash accusations of God. For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Rather than acquiesce in thy afflictions and bear them patiently, thou hast elected to murmur, to complain, to question the justice of God, and speak overboldly concerning him. There is some ground for Elihu's condemnation; but it is excessive; it fails to make allowance for the extremity of Job's sufferings, and the disturbing influence of extreme suffering on the mind and judgment. It is, at any rate, more severe than God's judgment upon his servant (<a href="/job/38-2.htm">Job 38:2</a>; <a href="/job/42-7.htm">Job 42:7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/36-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Be careful</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֭שָּׁמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(hiš·šā·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to turn</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּ֣פֶן</span> <span class="translit">(tê·p̄en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">iniquity,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑וֶן</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·wen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֝֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have preferred</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּחַ֥רְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḥar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to affliction.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֹֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6040.htm">Strong's 6040: </a> </span><span class="str2">Affliction, poverty</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/36-21.htm">Job 36:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/36-21.htm">OT Poetry: Job 36:21 Take heed don't regard iniquity (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/36-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 36:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 36:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/36-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 36:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 36:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>