Job 34:19
who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The surprising truth here is that God doesn't just treat the rich and poor equally; He sees them as equally His creations. This isn't just about fairness; it's about acknowledging that every person, regardless of status, is fundamentally shaped and dependent on the Creator's hand.
Elihu, Job's young friend, is arguing that Job’s complaints against God show a lack of understanding about God’s perfect justice. He asserts that God shows no favoritism, treating princes and the poor, the rich and the humble, all equally because they are His creations. Elihu emphasizes that questioning God's justice is therefore profoundly misguided.
Ever feel like the world favors the powerful or the wealthy? Job's friend Elihu confronts this idea head-on.
Elihu argues that God is completely unbiased. He doesn't show special treatment to 'princes' (powerful leaders) or 'the rich' simply because of their status. This isn't just a nice thought; it's a fundamental aspect of God's character.
What common ground do a king and a beggar share? Elihu points to something profound and grounding.
Elihu’s reason for God’s impartiality is simple yet powerful: 'for they are all the work of his hands.'
Understand the original words
nāśā' pānîm · Hebrew Verb phrase
Partiality, or showing favor, involves discriminating in favor of or against someone based on outward status such as wealth, rank, or social standing. Scripture consistently condemns this, emphasizing that God does not judge based on human hierarchies.
ma‘aśēh yādayim · Hebrew Noun phrase
This phrase signifies that all human beings are equally creatures of the one Creator. It serves as the theological basis for human equality, as all existence originates from God's creative act.
This passage directly quotes Peter declaring that God shows no partiality, highlighting God's impartial nature in dealings with all people, regardless of their status, which echoes Job 34:19's assertion about princes and the rich.
Deuteronomy 1:17This verse from the law warns against showing partiality in judgment, emphasizing that judgment belongs to God. It reinforces the idea that humans, like God, should not show favoritism, aligning with God's own perfect impartiality described in Job.
James 2:1-9James explicitly addresses the sin of favoritism within the community, instructing believers not to honor the rich more than the poor. This passage serves as a practical application of the principle that God himself shows no partiality.
Romans 2:11Paul states plainly that God shows no favoritism. This New Testament affirmation strongly supports the claim made in Job that God's judgment and dealings are not swayed by external factors like wealth or status.
Proverbs 22:2This proverb makes a direct comparison between the rich and the poor, stating that the Lord is the maker of them all. This emphasizes the shared creation and therefore equal standing of all individuals before God, mirroring the reasoning in Job 34:19.
clarkeJob 34:19: "How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands."
That accepteth not - If it be utterly improper to speak against a king or civil governor, how much more so to speak disrespectfully of God, who is not influenced by human caprices or considerations, and who regards the rich and the poor alike, being equally his creatures, and equally dependent on his providence and mercy for their suppor…
pulpitJob 34:19: "How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands."
Verse 19. - How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes! How much less becomingly is such language used of One so far above princes that he regards them as on a level with all other men, and pays them no special respect! Worldly rank is, of course, nothing with God. All mankind are his subjects and servants, whom he di…
The surprising truth here is that God doesn't just treat the rich and poor equally; He sees them as equally His creations. This isn't just about fairness; it's about acknowledging that every person, regardless of status, is fundamentally shaped and dependent on the Creator's hand.
Elihu, Job's young friend, is arguing that Job’s complaints against God show a lack of understanding about God’s perfect justice. He asserts that God shows no favoritism, treating princes and the poor, the rich and the humble, all equally because they are His creations. Elihu emphasizes that questioning God's justice is therefore profoundly misguided.
Elihu, Job's young friend, is arguing that Job’s complaints against God show a lack of understanding about God’s perfect justice. He asserts that God shows no favoritism, treating princes and the poor, the rich and the humble, all equally because they are His creations. Elihu emphasizes that questioning God's justice is therefore profoundly misguided.
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"who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?" — The surprising truth here is that God doesn't just treat the rich and poor equally; He sees them as equally His creations. This isn't just about fairness; it's about acknowledging that every pers…
