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Elihu Condemns Self-Righteousness

35Elihu continued and said:
² ‘Do you think this to be just?
   You say, “I am in the right before God.”
³ If you ask, “What advantage have I?
   How am I better off than if I had sinned?”
⁴ I will answer you
   and your friends with you.
⁵ Look at the heavens and see;
   observe the clouds, which are higher than you.
⁶ If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
   And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
⁷ If you are righteous, what do you give to him;
   or what does he receive from your hand?
⁸ Your wickedness affects others like you,
   and your righteousness, other human beings.

⁹ ‘Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out;
   they call for help because of the arm of the mighty.