Job 34:10
“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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Elihu isn't just saying God is good; he's declaring that the very idea of God doing wrong is unthinkable, profane, and contradictory to His very nature. He appeals to those with "understanding" to grasp this fundamental truth, even if they can't reconcile it with Job's suffering. This isn't about God needing to prove His justice, but about recognizing His absolute character as the ultimate standard of righteousness.
Elihu is speaking directly to Job and his friends, asserting that God cannot possibly act unjustly or wickedly. He argues that the very concept of God doing wrong is unthinkable, framing this as a fundamental truth that anyone with understanding should grasp. This declaration sets the stage for Elihu's extended defense of God's character and actions, attempting to silence Job's accusations of divine unfairness.
Elihu's words are strong: 'Far be it from God that he should do wickedness!' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a declaration that hits hard. What makes the very thought of God being wicked so unthinkable?
Elihu is appealing to a core understanding of who God is. He's not just saying God usually does good things; he's saying the very essence of God is righteous. The Hebrew word used here expresses an extreme aversion, like saying 'profane!' or 'unholy!' to the idea. It’s impossible to imagine God acting with malice or injustice, not because of rules He has to follow, but because wickedness is fundamentally contrary to His very nature. To even suggest God could do wrong is to misunderstand Him entirely.
Elihu addresses a specific group: 'men of understanding.' Who are these people, and why does Elihu appeal to them? It’s a clue to how we should engage with difficult questions about God.
Elihu calls out to 'men of understanding,' which the original language connects to 'men of heart.' This isn't just about intellect; it's about having a receptive heart and the wisdom to discern truth. Elihu isn't trying to just debate Job; he's appealing to those who can grasp a deeper principle beyond immediate circumstances. He believes these 'understanding' individuals will see the logic: God’s absolute nature means He cannot be wicked. This appeal is an invitation to move past the immediate pain and confusion Job is experiencing and to consider God's inherent character.
Elihu’s argument for God’s righteousness is tied to His ultimate authority. But how does God being in charge relate to His inability to do wrong?
Elihu posits that God’s ultimate and original authority—His sovereignty—is the very reason He cannot act wickedly. Because the earth and everything in it belongs to God, He has no selfish interests that would conflict with His creatures' well-being. He isn't a delegated manager with personal gain at stake; He is the Owner. Therefore, His actions are not driven by a need to secure His own position or interests at the expense of others. His perfect nature, combined with His ultimate authority, ensures His actions are always aligned with ultimate good. It's not that God not to do wrong; it’s that He do wrong because of who He is and His absolute ownership of all things.
Understand the original words
Shaddai · Hebrew Noun
Divine sovereignty and the absolute moral perfection of God. It is used as a title to emphasize His omnipotence and His role as the sovereign Judge over all creation, who is incapable of corruption.
resha · Hebrew Noun
Moral perversion, injustice, or the intentional act of deviating from God's character. In Scripture, it is explicitly denied that God, in His holiness and justice, can ever be the source of such evil.
This passage echoes Elihu's sentiment, stating that it is unthinkable for God to act wickedly or pervert justice, highlighting the divine character's inherent righteousness.
Romans 3:4Paul directly quotes Psalm 51:4, affirming that God's faithfulness and righteousness are absolute, reinforcing the idea that God cannot act unjustly, even when humans are unfaithful.
1 Samuel 15:29This verse emphasizes God's unchanging nature and His role as the ultimate authority, suggesting that He does not act capriciously or unjustly, aligning with the idea that 'far be it from God' to do wrong.
Psalm 119:137The Psalmist declares God's righteousness and faithfulness in His judgments, which directly supports Elihu's assertion that God's actions are always just, even when they are difficult for humans to understand.
Deuteronomy 32:4This verse describes God as 'The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he,' providing a foundational theological statement about God's perfect and just character.
ellicottJob 34:10: "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."
(10) Ye men of understanding. —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 scarce…
pooleJob 34:10: "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."
Ye men of understanding; you who are present, and understand these things, do you judge between Job and me. Far be it from God that he should do wickedness: this I must lay down as a principle, that the righteous and holy God neither doth nor can deal unjustly with Job, or with any man, as Job insinuates that God had dealt with…
Elihu isn't just saying God is good; he's declaring that the very idea of God doing wrong is unthinkable, profane, and contradictory to His very nature. He appeals to those with "understanding" to grasp this fundamental truth, even if they can't reconcile it with Job's suffering. This isn't about God needing to prove His justice, but about recognizing His absolute character as the ultimate standard of righteousness.
Elihu is speaking directly to Job and his friends, asserting that God cannot possibly act unjustly or wickedly. He argues that the very concept of God doing wrong is unthinkable, framing this as a fundamental truth that anyone with understanding should grasp. This declaration sets the stage for Elihu's extended defense of God's character and actions, attempting to silence Job's accusations of divine unfairness.
Elihu is speaking directly to Job and his friends, asserting that God cannot possibly act unjustly or wickedly. He argues that the very concept of God doing wrong is unthinkable, framing this as a fundamental truth that anyone with understanding should grasp. This declaration sets the stage for Elihu's extended defense of God's character and actions, attempting to silence Job's accusations of divine unfairness.
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"“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." — Elihu isn't just saying God is good; he's declaring that the very idea of God doing wrong is unthinkable, profane, and contradictory to His very nature. He appeals to those with "understanding" to…
