God Watches Everything We Do

Job 34:16–29
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For the third time in his speech, Elihu requested that his audience of four hear him out. He argues that if God were unjust, there could be no just government on earth (vv. 16-20). If God had been unjust in the world, men would have wanted to condemn Him (vv. 16-17). Yet they would not dare do so because His authority was above that of earthly rulers (v. 18) and He could treat them all alike because they were His creation (v. 19). Proof that He treats them the same can be seen in the fact that without human help, He takes away the strong as well as the weak (v. 20).

Elihu continues His argument that if God were unjust then He must not see what is going on in the world (vv. 21-30). When men are taken away it is because God has seen some evil deed in their works (v. 21). This is just the opposite of what Job had claimed. Elihu persisted with his point by stating that there was no place for man to hide his iniquity (v. 22). Since evil does not escape God, there is no need for Him to investigate man any further (v. 23). There are no inquisitions where the case has to be argued (v. 24). In fact there is no need for them. God, armed with His infinite knowledge, takes note of the evil of men, and then brings inevitable and unexpected judgment upon them (vv. 25-26). Their punishment comes because they refuse to follow God (v. 27). One way of refusal is reflected in their cruelty to the poor (v. 28). However, if God remains silent and does not respond, who has any right to condemn Him (v. 29)? God responds on the basis of the principle of justice.

Application

God is just and in His infinite knowledge and wisdom and always knows what is best for me. Suffering is helpful when I turn to God for understanding, endurance, and deliverance. It may cause me to be ready to learn from a trustworthy God.