[1] Elihu also proceeded, and said, [2] Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. [3] I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. [4] For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge [5] Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. [6] He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. [7] He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. [8] And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; [9] Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. [10] He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. [11] If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. [12] But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. [13] But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth [14] They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. [15] He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. [16] Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. [17] But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [18] Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: ransom cannot deliver [19] Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. [20] Desire not the night, when people are cut off [21] Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. [22] Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth [23] Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?