Job 34:8

Context of Job 34:8

Job 34:8 is part of Elihu's lengthy discourse (chapters 32-37), where he presents his perspective on Job's suffering and God's justice. Elihu, the youngest of Job's three comforters, argues that God is always righteous and cannot be accused of injustice. In this specific chapter, Elihu is directly responding to Job's complaints and assertions of his own innocence, which Elihu interprets as Job questioning God's fairness and aligning himself with those who deny God's perfect governance. Elihu believes that Job's words, by implying God is unjust, place him in spiritual company with evildoers.

Meaning of the Verse

Elihu's statement, "Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men," is a rhetorical accusation against Job. He is not necessarily saying Job physically associates with criminals, but that Job's attitude and words—specifically his questioning of God's justice—put him in the same spiritual camp as those who actively rebel against God. The phrases "goeth in company with" and "walketh with" emphasize a close fellowship, shared mindset, and alignment of purpose, suggesting that Job's complaints reflect the same rebellious spirit found in "workers of iniquity" and "wicked men" who openly defy God's ways.

Key Themes

• The Gravity of Association: This verse highlights the profound influence of one's company, not just physically, but also intellectually and spiritually. Elihu suggests that even a shared attitude or complaint can signify a dangerous alignment with ungodly ways.
• God's Unquestionable Justice: A central theme of Elihu's speech is the absolute righteousness and sovereignty of God. To question God's justice, as Elihu perceives Job doing, is seen as an act of rebellion akin to the behavior of the wicked. Elihu implicitly points to the truth that the Judge of all the earth does right.
• The Nature of Ungodliness: The verse defines "workers of iniquity" and "wicked men" as those whose lives or thoughts are fundamentally contrary to God's will and moral order.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "iniquity" is 'aven (אָוֶן), which often denotes trouble, sorrow, or wickedness that brings calamity. It can refer to both the act of wrongdoing and the resultant harm or suffering.
• "Wicked" is from the Hebrew 'aresha' (רָשָׁע), meaning guilty, unrighteous, or condemned. It describes individuals who are spiritually perverse, rebellious against God's law, and deserving of judgment.

Practical Application

While Elihu's specific accusation against Job may have been misdirected, the underlying principle of the verse carries significant weight for believers today:

• Discernment in Relationships: The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. Our associations, whether physical friendships or intellectual influences (like the media we consume or the philosophies we embrace), profoundly shape our character and worldview. As Proverbs 13:20 wisely states, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
• Watchfulness Over Our Words and Attitudes: Elihu's critique of Job's words reminds us that our speech and underlying attitudes can reveal where our hearts truly lie. Complaining against God or questioning His goodness, even in times of severe trial, can inadvertently align our spirit with those who deny God's sovereignty and righteousness.
• Trusting God's Character: Ultimately, this verse challenges us to trust in God's perfect justice and wisdom, even when life's circumstances are difficult to comprehend. Maintaining faith in His good character prevents us from adopting the mindset of those who are truly rebellious against Him.