Job 34:1 Meaning and Explanation

These words open the second movement of Elihu's address. The young man who had been silent before the three older friends now continues, having already rebuked them and Job alike. The simple formula 'answered and said' signals that a new section of his reasoning is about to unfold, this time turned toward the great question of whether God can ever be unjust.

A speech that begins so plainly will rise to lofty heights, for Elihu means to defend the character of the Almighty. There is something fitting in beginning humbly before speaking of holy things. Every word about God should be weighed, and the one who would speak of His justice does well to gather his thoughts before he opens his mouth.