17 Can someone who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?
17 Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty,
17 Can someone who hates order, keep order? Do you dare condemn the righteous, mighty God?
17 Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?
17 Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty judge?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 34:17
Commentary on Job 34:16-30
(Read Job 34:16-30)
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.