[1] Moreover Elihu answered, [2] "Do you think this to be your right, Or do you say, `My righteousness is more than God`s,` [3] That you ask, `What advantage will it be to you? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?` [4] I will answer you, And your companions with you. [5] Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you. [6] If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? [7] If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand? [8] Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are; And your righteousness may profit a son of man. [9] "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty. [10] But none says, `Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night, [11] Who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?` [12] There they cry, but none gives answer, Because of the pride of evil men. [13] Surely God will not hear an empty cry, Neither will the Almighty regard it. [14] How much less when you say you don`t see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him! [15] But now, because he has not visited in his anger, Neither does he greatly regard arrogance. [16] Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, And he multiplies words without knowledge."