Job 34:18

He asks Job and his three friends whether someone who hates justice should govern, and whether they will condemn the One who is most just. A man who hates justice should not govern. Would Job say that about God? But God is most just. Even in ordinary human dealings it is not right to accuse a king of being worthless, or a prince of being wicked (v.18). How much more serious it is to suggest that God is not righteous.

In this portion Elihu reminds Job of the dignity and greatness of God. If it is wrong to question the uprightness of a king, to call him worthless, who will dare to charge the All-just with evil? He looks upon princes and paupers alike, and all are the work of His hands. Their life hangs upon His will, in a moment He can cut them off — will we think of such a God as fickle, uncertain or unfair? Pagan nations did picture their gods that way. But those who know the true God cannot think such thoughts.

Government has its rights, and reverence is due to those in power and dignity. If no one could speak a disrespectful word to a king or a prince, what is it to speak that way of God? He is infinitely higher than the highest. He shows no partiality, and does not put the rich before the poor, for all are the work of His hands.

One thing to notice in Elihu's speech is that he puts God first and gives Him His rights, and draws all his conclusions from there... Job had been proud toward God. He had said there was no profit in delighting in Him. Elihu says God is certainly righteous, and that it was not fitting for a man to say even to a prince, "You are wicked" — much less to God. Here he speaks of God's right to be acknowledged, and of what He is. God does judge rightly and break down pride. It is fitting for a man to bow under His hand and ask to be taught.

He does not say "iniquity," as Eliphaz did. But he does charge Job with drinking up scorn like water. Job's words were unfitting and irreverent. He does not accuse him of some secret crime that God must punish without mercy. But Job, sure of his own integrity, was leaning too heavily on what God's grace had made him... He does not mean Job's conduct, but his words. Job had dared to speak too carelessly, provoked by Eliphaz and the others, who insisted that bad men are always punished and good men always prosper in this world. Job answered that, but much too hotly, in honest hatred of their false principle. He gave the impression not only that he was just, but that God set it aside unjustly, and that there was no need at all for his trial — words well suited to encourage evil-doers.