# 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]])
# When he stays silent, who can condemn him?
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. AT: "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. AT: "No one can go and see him if he decides to hide his face" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
This compares a godless ruler harming people as if he were a hunter trapping his prey. AT: "no one to harm the people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])