Job 34:18
“Who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’?”
What does Job 34:18 mean?
Elihu is asking this rhetorical question to point out how foolish and dangerous it would be to insult or condemn those in power, especially when you depend on their rule. He's making an argument about respect for authority and the natural consequences of speaking recklessly against leaders. The question assumes that only a truly unwise person would openly call a king or nobleman wicked, knowing they have the power to harm you. In context, Elihu is suggesting that if we wouldn't dare speak that way about earthly rulers, we certainly shouldn't question or accuse God of being unjust, since God's authority is infinitely greater.