# When he stays silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can perceive him?
These two questions speak of God not punishing wicked people as if he were being silent and hiding his face. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can criticize God if he decides to remain silent" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can go and see him if he decides to hide his face" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])