Job 35 is Elihu’s second speech to Job, and it asks a pointed question: does a person’s righteousness or sin actually affect God? These questions are written for a small group, a Sunday class, or a personal study. Each set includes a note on how to lead it, so you can move from observation to application without needing a separate summary.
Job 35 at a Glance
Elihu opens by challenging Job’s claim that he is more righteous than God, then asks Job to look up at the sky and consider how distant God’s position is from human conduct. He argues that human sin and righteousness do not add to or subtract from God. Elihu then turns to people who cry out under oppression and are not answered, and suggests the problem is that they are not really seeking God.
The chapter ends with Elihu accusing Job of speaking empty words without knowledge. Use the questions below in order, or pick the set that fits your group’s stage in the book.
Observation Questions
Start here so the group agrees on what the text says before debating what it means. Read verses 1 through 8 aloud first, then take the questions one at a time and let people answer from the page before adding opinions.
Job 35:5
Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.
(WEB)
Read this verse to open the discussion of God’s height and human limits. Its image of the skies is simple and vivid, and it gives the group a concrete starting point before the harder questions come up.
Job 35:6-7
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?
(WEB)
These verses carry the heart of Elihu’s argument about whether human conduct reaches God. Reading them slowly helps the group see the repeated questions and avoid rushing to conclusions.
Job 35:10
But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night…
(WEB)
This verse introduces the phrase about songs in the night and the question about where God is. It is a good turning point for moving from complaint toward seeking and worship in a session.
Job 35:12-13
12 There they cry, but no one gives answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13 Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.
(WEB)
Reading these two verses together lets the group consider why cries go unanswered and what Elihu believes about God’s hearing. Pause after reading to let people react before moving on.
Job 35:14-15
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.
(WEB)
These verses hold the tension of waiting, the case before God, and God’s apparent restraint. They work well near the end of a session to ask how the group sits with unanswered prayer.
Memory Verse for Job 35
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you aware that we cannot measure ourselves against your greatness, and we thank you that you are higher than the heavens and yet near to those who call on you. Teach us to ask where you are when we are crying out, and to listen for the songs you give in the night. Where we have spoken with empty words, forgive us, and give us care for the people beside us. Keep this group honest, patient, and hopeful as we wait on you together. Amen.
