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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 34:10 Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/34-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/18_Job_34_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 34:10 - Elihu Confirms God's Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly." /><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/34-10.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/34-10.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/34.htm">Chapter 34</a> > Verse 10</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="/ad10.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/34-9.htm" title="Job 34:9">◄</a> Job 34:10 <a href="/job/34-11.htm" title="Job 34:11">►</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/34.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/34.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/34.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/34.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/34.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, <i>that he should do</i> wickedness; and <i>from</i> the Almighty, <i>that he should commit</i> iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God <i>to do</i> wickedness, And <i>from</i> the Almighty to <i>commit</i> iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, And from the Almighty to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Therefore, listen to me, you men with a heart <i>of wisdom</i>. Far be it from God to do injustice, And from the Almighty to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore hear me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God that He would do wickedness, And from the Almighty to do wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If any of you are smart, you will listen and learn that God All-Powerful does what is right. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"You people who have understanding, listen to me. It is unthinkable that God would ever do evil or that the Almighty would ever do wicked things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Listen to me, you men who understand! Will Almighty God do what is wrong? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Therefore you men of understanding, listen to me! Far be it for God to practice wickedness, or the Almighty to do what is wrong,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, from the Almighty to do evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from Shaddai, that he should commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore hearken to me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, O men of heart, listen to me; Far be it from God to do wickedness, "" And [from] the Mighty to do perverseness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Therefore, O men of heart, hearken to me; Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Mighty to do perverseness:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this, ye men of heart, hear to me: far be it to God from doing evil; and the Almighty from iniquity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, ye men of understanding, hear me : far from god be wickedness, and iniquity from the Almighty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, prudent men, hear me: impiety is far from God, and iniquity is far from the Almighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, you that have understanding, hear me: far be it from God to do wickedness; far from the Almighty to do wrong! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Therefore, hear me, you who have sense, far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore hearken to me, O you men of understanding; far be it from God that he should do wickedness; and far be it from him that he should commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of this, men of heart, hear me; God forbid God that he would do evil and God forbid that he would commit sin!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that He should do wickedness; And from the Almighty, that He should commit iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore hear me, ye that are wise in heart: far be it from me to sin before the Lord, and to pervert righteousness before the almighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/34-10.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=5227" 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/34.htm">Elihu Confirms God's Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šim·‘ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’a·nă·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">O men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lê·ḇāḇ (N-ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">of understanding.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·li·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">Far be it</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: lā·’êl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty.">from God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: mê·re·ša‘ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">to do wrong,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7706.htm" title="7706: wə·šad·day (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The Almighty. From shadad; the Almighty.">and from the Almighty</a> <a href="/hebrew/5766.htm" title="5766: mê·‘ā·wel (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Injustice, unrighteousness. Or lavel; and lavlah; or owlah; or.olah; from aval; evil.">to act unjustly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.…<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="/james/1-13.htm">James 1:13</a></span><br />When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a></span><br />He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-15.htm">Psalm 92:15</a></span><br />to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></span><br />Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a></span><br />And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/5-4.htm">Psalm 5:4</a></span><br />For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; no evil can dwell with You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-14.htm">Romans 9:14</a></span><br />What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-17.htm">Psalm 145:17</a></span><br />The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3</a></span><br />And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-16.htm">1 Peter 1:16</a></span><br />for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-30.htm">Psalm 18:30</a></span><br />As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-2.htm">1 Samuel 2:2</a></span><br />There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-16.htm">Isaiah 5:16</a></span><br />But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/15-4.htm">Revelation 15:4</a></span><br />Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-8.htm">Psalm 25:8</a></span><br />Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore listen to me you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.</p><p class="hdg">understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-2.htm">Job 34:2,3,34</a></b></br> Hear my words, O ye wise <i>men</i>; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a></b></br> <i>But</i> whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he <i>that</i> doeth it destroyeth his own soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Proverbs 15:32</a></b></br> He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.</p><p class="hdg">far</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/8-3.htm">Job 8:3</a></b></br> Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/36-23.htm">Job 36:23</a></b></br> Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/37-23.htm">Job 37:23</a></b></br> <i>Touching</i> the Almighty, we cannot find him out: <i>he is</i> excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/33-4.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/job/5-8.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/job/34-3.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/33-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/32-7.htm">Far</a> <a href="/job/34-2.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/33-33.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/job/33-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/job/34-8.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/job/33-4.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/job/33-31.htm">Note</a> <a href="/job/27-4.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/job/33-4.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/job/32-8.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/34-8.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/job/34-2.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/job/33-27.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/34-12.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/psalms/22-8.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/34-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/36-3.htm">Far</a> <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/job/34-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/job/34-22.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/job/34-17.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Note</a> <a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/job/34-12.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/34-26.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/job/34-16.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/job/34-12.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Job 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-1.htm">Elihu accuses Job for charging God with injustice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-10.htm">God omnipotent cannot be unjust</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-31.htm">Man must humble himself unto God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/34-34.htm">Elihu reproves Job</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/34.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/34.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding.</b><br>Elihu, the speaker, addresses his audience as "men of understanding," indicating that he is speaking to those who are wise and capable of discerning truth. This phrase suggests a call to attention and discernment, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in interpreting God's actions. In the broader context of the Book of Job, wisdom literature often highlights the value of understanding and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Elihu's appeal to understanding aligns with the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God and is necessary for comprehending divine justice.<p><b>Far be it from God to do wrong,</b><br>This phrase asserts the inherent righteousness of God, a central tenet in biblical theology. The idea that God cannot do wrong is consistent with the character of God as depicted throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a>, which describes God as a "God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." The assertion that God is incapable of wrongdoing is foundational to understanding His nature as holy and just. This belief is crucial in the context of Job, where the question of God's justice is central to the narrative.<p><b>and from the Almighty to act unjustly.</b><br>The term "Almighty" (Shaddai) emphasizes God's supreme power and authority. The statement that the Almighty cannot act unjustly reinforces the belief in God's perfect justice. This is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God's justice is often contrasted with human injustice (<a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Psalm 89:14</a>). The assurance of God's justice provides comfort and hope, especially in times of suffering and confusion, as seen in Job's story. Theologically, this phrase underscores the trustworthiness of God, affirming that His actions are always aligned with His righteous character.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elihu.htm">Elihu</a></b><br>A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's justice and righteousness. He is the speaker in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A righteous man who suffers greatly and questions the reasons for his suffering.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (The Almighty)</a></b><br>The central figure in the discourse, whose nature and actions are being defended by Elihu.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have been debating with Job about the reasons for his suffering.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a></b><br>The land of Uz, where Job and his friends are engaged in a lengthy dialogue about suffering and divine justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_righteous_nature.htm">God's Righteous Nature</a></b><br>God is inherently righteous and incapable of wrongdoing. This is a foundational truth for understanding His character and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a></b><br>Even when circumstances are difficult to understand, believers are called to trust in God's perfect justice and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_understanding_vs._divine_wisdom.htm">Human Understanding vs. Divine Wisdom</a></b><br>Human understanding is limited, and we must rely on God's wisdom, which surpasses our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_suffering.htm">Responding to Suffering</a></b><br>In times of suffering, rather than accusing God of wrongdoing, we should seek to understand His purposes and trust in His goodness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_counsel_and_community.htm">Role of Counsel and Community</a></b><br>Like Elihu, believers can play a role in encouraging and correcting one another, always pointing back to the truth of God's character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 34</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_innocents_suffer_if_god_is_just.htm">Job 34:10 – If God never does wrong, why do the innocent still suffer without clear divine intervention? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_skeptical_theism_say_on_divine_hiddenness.htm">What does the Bible say about mental health?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/have_you_shared_your_requests_with_god.htm">What does 'God is no respecter of persons' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_job_question_god_in_job_10_2.htm">In Job 10:2, why does Job challenge God to clarify his wrongdoing if God is all-knowing and just? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Ye men of understanding.</span>--Elihu now appeals to the men of understanding, by whom he can hardly mean the three friends of whom he has already spoken disparagingly, but seems rather to appeal to an audience, real or imagined, who are to decide on the merits of what he says. This is an incidental indication that we are scarcely intended to understand the long-continued argument as the record of an actual discussion. Elihu begins to take broader ground than the friends of Job, inasmuch as he concerns himself, not with the problems of God's government, but with the impossibility of His acting unjustly (<a href="/genesis/18-25.htm" title="That be far from you to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from you: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?">Genesis 18:25</a>), and the reason he gives is somewhat strange--it is the fact that God is irresponsible, He has not been put in charge over the earth; but His authority is ultimate and original, and being so, He can have no personal interests to secure at all risks; He can only have in view the ultimate good of all His creatures, for, on the other hand, if He really desired to slay them, their breath is in His hands, and He would only have to recall it. The earth and all that is in it belongs to God: it is His own, and not another's entrusted to Him; His self-interest, therefore, cannot come into collision with the welfare of His creatures, because their welfare is the welfare of that which is His--of that, therefore, in which He Himself has the largest interest. The argument is a somewhat strange one to us, but it is sound at bottom, for it recognises God as the prime origin and final hope of all His creatures, and assumes that His will can only be good, and that it must be the best because it is His. (Comp. St. <a href="/context/john/10-12.htm" title="But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.">John 10:12-13</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/34.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> <span class="cmt_word">- Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding</span> (comp. ver. 2). Elihu repeats himself, wishing to call special attention to his justification of God (vers. 10-30). Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness. Elihu probably means that to do wickedness is contrary to the very nature and idea of God; but he does not express himself very clearly. And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. An evil God, a God who can do wrong, is a contradiction in terms - an impossible, inconceivable idea. Devil-worshippers, if there are or ever have been such persons, do not conceive of the object of their worship as really God, but as a powerful malignant spirit. Once rise to the height of the conception of a Power absolutely supreme, omniscient, omnipresent, the Author of all things, and it is impossible to imagine him as less than perfectly good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/34-10.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">Therefore</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֵ֤ן ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">listen</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְע֫וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šim·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">you men</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’a·nă·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of understanding.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵבָ֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(lê·ḇāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Inner man, mind, will, heart</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Far be it</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלִ֖לָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·li·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> </span><span class="str2">For, a profaned thing, far be it!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from God</span><br /><span class="heb">לָאֵ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to do wrong,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרֶ֗שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(mê·re·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and for the Almighty</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׁדַּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šad·day)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7706.htm">Strong's 7706: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Almighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to act unjustly.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעָֽוֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ā·wel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5766.htm">Strong's 5766: </a> </span><span class="str2">Injustice, unrighteousness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/34-10.htm">OT Poetry: Job 34:10 Therefore listen to me you men (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/34-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 34:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 34:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/34-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 34:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 34:11" /></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>