Chapter 36
| Collection: | The Book of Job and 42 Paintings |
| Author: | Fr. Antonio Oteiza |
| Type: | Painting |
| Location: | Cataloguing Room |
| Characteristics: | Acrylic paint on cardboard |
| Artwork: |
Click to enlarge |
| Description: |
Elihu continued: “Wait a little longer and I will teach you, for there is still something to be said in God’s defence. I will go far afield in search of my knowledge, to vindicate my Maker. Truly, my arguments are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is speaking with you. See, God is mighty and does not despise the sincere of heart. He does not let the wicked live; he gives justice to the poor. He does not take his eyes from the righteous; he seats them on royal thrones and exalts them forever. And when he binds them with chains or holds them with cords of affliction, it is to show them their deeds and the sins of their pride. He opens their ears so that they may learn and urges them to turn away from wickedness. If they listen and submit, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in well-being. But if they do not listen, they will cross the boundary of Death and perish without realizing it. For when the wicked are bound, instead of crying for help they harbour resentment. They lose their lives in the fullness of youth and die at the age of young men. Through affliction he saves the afflicted, opening their ears through suffering. He also urges you to escape from the clutches of distress into a broad and open place, where a rich table will be spread before you. But do not defend the cause of the wicked; uphold my right. Do not let yourself be seduced by generosity or swayed by a rich bribe. In time of danger, will your riches and all your possessions be of any value before him? Do not spend the night longing to drive people from their place. Do not turn to wickedness, for it was because of this that you were tested by affliction. See, God is exalted in power; what teacher can compare with him? Who can prescribe his way to him? Who can accuse him of injustice? Remember to celebrate his works, which men have sung. Everyone beholds them; mankind looks upon them from afar. See, God is exalted beyond our understanding, and the number of his years cannot be counted. He draws up drops of water and filters them from their source as rain. The clouds distil them, and they fall in showers upon the ground. Through them he feeds the peoples, giving them food in abundance. Who can measure the expanse of the clouds or the height of his pavilion? Around himself he spreads the light and establishes his throne upon the roots of the sea. He hides the lightning in his palms and sends it unerringly toward its target. The Most High makes his thunder heard, and his anger unleashes the storm.” |
