1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?

4 Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?

5 Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?

6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.

8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it.

9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

10 Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;

11 Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.

12 Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

13 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?

14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.

15 Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?

16 Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:

17 Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

19 The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.

20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.

21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.

26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.

30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz shows that a man's goodness profits not God.
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.
McArther Bible Commentary
The third cycle of speeches is given by Job and his friends, with Zophar abstaining.
Bible Cross References
Job 21:34 Job 22:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz shows that a man's goodness profits not God.
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Can, &c. - Why dost thou insist so much upon thy own righteousness, as if thou didst oblige God by it.
McArther Bible Commentary
, Job 22:12-14 This counselor repeated the emphasis on the almighty nature of God, saying that God was so lofty and transcendent that He had no direct concern at all with Job. God didn't care personally about his complaints and claims to righteousness. God was not involved in the trivia of his life.
Bible Cross References
Luke 17:10 Acts 17:25 Job 7:17 Job 22:1 Job 22:3 Job 35:7 Proverbs 9:12

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz shows that a man's goodness profits not God.
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Is it - Such a pleasure as he needs for his own ease and contentment. Nay, God needs not us, or our services. We are undone, forever undone without him: but he is happy, forever happy without us.
Bible Cross References
Job 22:2 Job 22:4 Job 35:7

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz shows that a man's goodness profits not God.
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Reprove - Punish thee. Because he is afraid, lest if he should let thee alone, thou wouldst grow too great and powerful for him: surely no. As thy righteousness cannot profit him, so thy wickedness can do him no hurt.
Bible Cross References
Job 14:3 Job 19:29 Job 22:3 Psalm 143:2 Isaiah 3:14

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Evil - Is not thy evil, thy affliction, are not thy calamities procured by, and proportionable to thy sins.
McArther Bible Commentary
This miserable comforter accused Job of wickedness that was great, naming various sins against humanity as the reasons for Job's trouble (Job 22:10-11).
Bible Cross References
Job 11:6 Job 15:5 Job 36:17

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Surely - He speaks thus by way of strong presumption, when I consider thy unusual calamities, I conclude thou art guilty of all, or some of these crimes. Brother - Of thy neighbour. Nought - Without sufficient and justifiable cause. Stripped - By taking their garment for a pledge, or by robbing them of their rights, all other injuries being comprehended under this.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 22:26 Deuteronomy 24:6 Deuteronomy 24:17 Job 24:3 Job 24:7 Job 24:9 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Ezekiel 18:16

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
Bible Cross References
Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:31

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Dwelt - Either by thy sentence or permission, he had a peaceable and sure possession of it, whether he had right to it, or no.
Bible Cross References
Job 9:24 Job 12:19 Isaiah 3:3 Isaiah 9:15

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Arms - Their supports, and rights.
Bible Cross References
Job 6:27 Job 24:3 Job 24:21 Job 29:13 Job 31:16 Job 31:18 Jeremiah 48:25

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
Bible Cross References
Job 5:5 Job 15:21 Job 18:8 Job 36:17

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Or - Either thou art troubled with fear of further evils or with the gross darkness of thy present state of misery. Waters - Variety of sore afflictions, which are frequently compared to water.
Bible Cross References
Job 5:14 Job 11:16 Job 24:18 Job 38:34 Psalm 69:1 Psalm 69:2 Psalm 124:4 Psalm 124:5 Lamentations 3:54

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Heaven - And from that high tower looketh down upon men, to behold, and govern, and recompense all their actions, whether good or bad. How high - Yet God is far higher than they, and from thence can easily see all things.
Bible Cross References
Job 11:7 Job 11:8 Job 35:5

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 10:11 Psalm 59:7 Psalm 64:5 Psalm 73:11 Psalm 94:7 Psalm 139:11 Isaiah 29:15 Jeremiah 23:24 Ezekiel 8:12 Ezekiel 9:9

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Job accused of oppression.
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Walketh - His delight is in heaven, which is worthy of his care, but he will not burden himself with the care of earth: which was the opinion of many Heathen philosophers, and, as they fancied, was Job's opinion also.
Bible Cross References
Job 26:9 Isaiah 40:22 Jeremiah 23:24 Amos 9:6

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The world before the flood.
Eliphaz would have Job mark the old way that wicked men have trodden, and see what the end of their way was. It is good for us to mark it, that we may not walk therein. But if others are consumed, and we are not, instead of blaming them, and lifting up ourselves, as Eliphaz does here, we ought to be thankful to God, and take it for a warning.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Old way - Heb. the way of antiquity, of men living in ancient times, their end or success.
McArther Bible Commentary
Again, the fate of the wicked was expressed in the simplistic idea that all suffering comes from sin. Contrary to what Job had argued, the wicked characteristically die prematurely, and Job's claim that God prospered them (Job 22:18) was counsel that Eliphaz rejected (Job 22:18-20).
Bible Cross References
Job 34:8 Job 34:36

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The world before the flood.
Eliphaz would have Job mark the old way that wicked men have trodden, and see what the end of their way was. It is good for us to mark it, that we may not walk therein. But if others are consumed, and we are not, instead of blaming them, and lifting up ourselves, as Eliphaz does here, we ought to be thankful to God, and take it for a warning.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Out of - Before their time. A flood - Who, together with their foundation, the earth and all their supports and enjoyments in it, were destroyed by the general deluge.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:26 Matthew 7:27 Job 4:19 Job 14:19 Job 15:32 Job 21:13 Job 21:18 Job 24:18 Psalm 90:5 Proverbs 10:27 Ecclesiastes 7:17 Isaiah 28:2

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The world before the flood.
Eliphaz would have Job mark the old way that wicked men have trodden, and see what the end of their way was. It is good for us to mark it, that we may not walk therein. But if others are consumed, and we are not, instead of blaming them, and lifting up ourselves, as Eliphaz does here, we ought to be thankful to God, and take it for a warning.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who - He repeats Job's words, (Job 21:14-15) , but to a contrary purpose. Job alleged them to shew that they prospered notwithstanding their wickedness; and Eliphaz produces them to shew that they were cut off for it.
Bible Cross References
Job 21:14 Job 21:15

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The world before the flood.
Eliphaz would have Job mark the old way that wicked men have trodden, and see what the end of their way was. It is good for us to mark it, that we may not walk therein. But if others are consumed, and we are not, instead of blaming them, and lifting up ourselves, as Eliphaz does here, we ought to be thankful to God, and take it for a warning.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Yet - Yet it is true, that for a time God did prosper them, but at last, cut them off in a tremendous manner, But - He repeals Job's words, (Job 21:16) , not without reflection: thou didst say so, but against thy own principle, that God carries himself indifferently towards good and bad; but I who have observed God's terrible judgments upon wicked men, have much more reason to abhor their counsels.
Bible Cross References
Job 10:3 Job 12:6 Job 21:16

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The world before the flood.
Eliphaz would have Job mark the old way that wicked men have trodden, and see what the end of their way was. It is good for us to mark it, that we may not walk therein. But if others are consumed, and we are not, instead of blaming them, and lifting up ourselves, as Eliphaz does here, we ought to be thankful to God, and take it for a warning.
Bible Cross References
Job 17:8 Psalm 52:6 Psalm 58:10 Psalm 64:10 Psalm 107:42

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The world before the flood.
Eliphaz would have Job mark the old way that wicked men have trodden, and see what the end of their way was. It is good for us to mark it, that we may not walk therein. But if others are consumed, and we are not, instead of blaming them, and lifting up ourselves, as Eliphaz does here, we ought to be thankful to God, and take it for a warning.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Because - Because when wicked men are destroyed, they are preserved. He should have said their substance; but he changes the person, and saith, our substance; either as including himself in the member of righteous persons, and thereby intimating that he pleaded the common cause of all such, while Job pleaded the cause of the wicked, or because he would hereby thankfully acknowledge some eminent and particular preservation given to him amongst other righteous men. Remnant - All that was left undestroyed in the general calamity. Fire - Sodom and Gomorrah. As if he had said, thou mayest find here and there an instance, of a wicked man dying in peace. But what is that to the two great instances of the final perdition of ungodly men, the drowning the whole world, and the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 31:15 Job 15:30

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Him - With God, renew thy acquaintance with God by prayer, and repentance for all thy sins, and true humiliation under his hand, and hearty compliance with all his commands, and diligent care to serve and enjoy him. It is our honour, that we are made capable of this acquaintance, our misery that by sin we have lost it; our privilege, that through Christ we may return to it; and our unspeakable advantage, to renew and cultivate it. And be at peace - At peace with God, and at peace with thyself, not fretful or uneasy. Good shall come unto thee - All the good thou canst desire, temporal, spiritual, eternal.
McArther Bible Commentary
Eliphaz painted a picture of the life of blessing in store for Job if only he would return to God and repent of his sin (Job 22:23), emphasizing again that he did not believe Job was innocent (Job 22:30). "Stop all the speeches and complaints, repent, and everything will be fine," he thought.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 34:10 Isaiah 27:5

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Receive - Take the rule whereby thou governest thy thoughts, and words, and whole life, not from thy own imaginations or passions, but from God, from his law, which is written in thy own mind, and from the doctrines and instructions of the holy men of God. And do not only hear them with thine ears, but let them sink into thy heart.
Bible Cross References
Job 6:10 Job 23:12 Proverbs 2:6 Ezekiel 3:10

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
If - The Hebrew phrase is emphatical, and implies a thorough turning from sin, to God, so as to love him, and cleave to him, and sincerely devote a man's self to his fear and service. Built - God will repair thy ruins, and give thee more children, and bless thee with prosperity. Thou shalt - It is either, a spiritual promise, if thou dost sincerely repent, God will give the grace effectually to reform thyself and family: or, a temporal promise, thou shalt put away iniquity, or the punishment of thy sins; as iniquity is very often used: far from thy tabernacles; from all thy dwellings, and tents, and possessions.
Bible Cross References
Job 8:5 Job 11:13 Job 11:14 Isaiah 19:22 Isaiah 31:6 Zechariah 1:3

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ophir. A land with high-quality gold, whose location is uncertain (cf. Job 28:16; Gen 10:29).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 10:11 Job 22:25 Job 31:24 Job 31:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
Bible Cross References
Job 22:24 Job 22:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Lift up - Look up to him, with chearfulness and confidence.
Bible Cross References
1 John 3:22 Job 11:15 Job 11:17 Job 22:25 Job 27:10 Job 33:26 Psalm 37:4 Psalm 119:6 Isaiah 58:14

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Make - The word is, thou shalt multiply thy prayer. Under all thy burdens, in all thy wants, cares and fears, thou shalt send to heaven for wisdom, strength and comfort. Pay - Thou shalt obtain those blessings for which thou didst make vows to God, and therefore, according to thy obligation, shalt pay thy vows to him.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:21 Job 8:6 Job 11:13 Job 27:10 Job 33:26 Job 34:28 Psalm 61:5 Isaiah 58:9 Jonah 2:9

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Established - Thy purposes shalt not be disappointed, but ratified by God. And in all thy counsels, and actions, God shall give thee the light of his direction and governance, and of comfort and success.
Bible Cross References
Job 11:17 Job 33:28 Psalm 97:11 Psalm 112:4

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Cast down - All round about thee, in a time of general calamity. There is - God will deliver thee. He - God.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 23:12 James 4:6 1 Peter 5:5 Job 5:11 Job 36:7

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance.
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He, &c. - God will have so great a respect to thy innocency, that for thy sake he will deliver those that belong to thee, or live with thee, or near thee, thought in themselves they be ripe for destruction. Their hands - By thy prayers proceeding from a pure heart and conscience. So Eliphaz and his two friends, who in this matter were not innocent, were delivered by the pureness of Job's hands, (Job 42:8) .
Bible Cross References
Job 17:9 Job 23:1 Job 42:7 Job 42:8 Psalm 18:20 Psalm 24:3 Psalm 24:4