1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

2 Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.

4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.

5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.

6 Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.

7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?

8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

10 Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?

14 If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.

17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?

18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.

20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23 For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.

24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.

25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;

27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:

32 That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

33 Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.

35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.

36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.

37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
McArther Bible Commentary
Elihu addressed Job and his accusers. His approach was to quote Job directly (Job 34:5-9), then respond to his complaints; but at times he misinterpreted Job's remarks and at other times he put the words of the accusers in Job's mouth. The most obvious example of the latter wrongdoing was in saying that Job claimed to be sinlessly perfect (Job 34:6). Job never claimed that; in fact, Job acknowledged his sin (Job 7:21; Job 13:26). Elihu didn't know it, but God had pronounced Job innocent (Job 1:8; Job 2:3). In answer to Job's complaints that God seemed unjust, Elihu reminded Job that God was too holy to do anything wrong (Job 34:10), fair in dealing with people (Job 34:11-12), powerful (Job 34:13-14), just (Job 34:17-18), impartial (Job 34:19-20), omniscient (Job 34:21-22), the Judge of all (Job 34:23), and the Sovereign who does what He wills to prevent evil (Job 34:24-30).
Bible Cross References
Job 33:33 Job 34:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ear - The ear, is put for the mind to which things are conveyed by it.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:1 Job 34:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
Bible Cross References
Job 12:11 Job 34:2 Job 34:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Let us - Not contend for victory, but for truth and equity. Know - Let us shew one another who hath the best cause.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:3 Job 34:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Said - I am so far righteous, that I have not deserved, such hard usage from God. Had taken - So Job had said, (Job 27:2) , he denies me that which is just and equal, to give me a fair hearing.
Bible Cross References
Job 6:29 Job 13:18 Job 27:2 Job 33:9 Job 34:4 Isaiah 40:27

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Should I lie - So Job had said in effect, (Job 27:4-6) , should I falsely accuse myself of sins of which I am not guilty? Without transgression - Without any such crying, sin, as might reasonably bring down such terrible judgments upon my head.
Bible Cross References
Job 6:4 Jeremiah 15:18

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Like water - Abundantly and greedily: who doth so break forth into scornful expressions, not only against his friends, but in some sort against God himself.
Bible Cross References
Job 12:4 Job 15:16 Proverbs 19:28

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who goeth - Although I dare not say, that he is a wicked man, yet in this matter he speaks and acts like one of them.
Bible Cross References
Job 22:15 Job 34:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice.
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, (Psalm 73:13-15), but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He said - Not in express terms, but by consequence; because he said that good men were no less, nay, sometimes more miserable here than the wicked.
McArther Bible Commentary
For he has said. Elihu was incorrect. He was putting words into Job's mouth that Job had not uttered.
Bible Cross References
Job 21:15 Job 35:3 Psalm 50:18 Psalm 73:13

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God cannot be unjust.
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
Bible Cross References
Romans 9:14 Genesis 18:25 Deuteronomy 32:4 Job 8:3 Job 34:12 Psalm 92:15

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God cannot be unjust.
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 16:27 Romans 2:6 2 Corinthians 5:10 Revelation 22:12 Job 34:25 Psalm 62:12 Proverbs 12:14 Proverbs 24:12 Isaiah 59:18 Jeremiah 32:19 Ezekiel 33:20

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God cannot be unjust.
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Pervert - As Job hath affirmed.
Bible Cross References
Job 8:3 Job 34:10

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God cannot be unjust.
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who - Who or where is his superior that made the world, and, then delivered the government of it to God? God himself is the sole creator, the absolute Lord of all, and therefore cannot do unjustly: because the creator and Lord of the world must needs have all possible perfections in himself, and amongst others, perfect justice. Disposed - Or, committed, to him, to be governed by him, in the name, of his Lord, to whom he must give an account.
Bible Cross References
Job 38:4 Job 38:5

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God cannot be unjust.
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
Bible Cross References
Job 12:10 Psalm 90:3 Psalm 104:29 Ecclesiastes 12:7

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God cannot be unjust.
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All - The design of this and the foregoing verse is the same with that of (Job 34:13) , namely, to declare God's absolute and uncontrollable sovereignty over all men.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 3:19 Genesis 7:21 2 Samuel 14:14 Job 9:22 Job 10:9 Job 34:16 Psalm 90:3 Psalm 104:29 Ecclesiastes 12:7

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:15 Job 34:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Shall he - That is unrighteous. Govern - Elihu's argument is the same with that of Abraham, (Genesis 18:25) , and that of St. Paul, (Romans 3:5-6) . If God be unrighteous, how shall he judge or govern the world? And the argument is undeniable: if God were unjust, there would be nothing but injustice and confusion in the world, whereas we see there is a great deal of justice administered in the world, and all this must proceed from him who is the fountain of all justice, and rule, and authority. And he that makes men just, shall he be unjust? Most just - God, who hath given so many clear and unquestionable evidences of his justice, in giving just and holy laws, in encouraging and rewarding righteous persons in this life, and inflicting dreadful judgments upon tyrants and oppressors.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 23:3 Job 34:16 Job 34:18 Job 34:30 Job 40:8

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wicked - Though a king may be wicked, yet his subjects neither may nor dare call him so.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:17 Job 34:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
Acts 10:34 Romans 2:11 1 Corinthians 1:28 Galatians 2:6 Ephesians 6:9 Colossians 3:25 James 2:5 1 Peter 1:17 Leviticus 19:15 Deuteronomy 10:17 2 Chronicles 19:7 Job 10:3 Job 12:21 Job 13:10 Job 32:21 Job 34:18

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 12:29 Job 12:19 Job 27:20 Job 34:25 Job 36:20 Daniel 8:25

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For - God doth not destroy either prince or people unjustly, no nor out of his mere pleasure, but for their sins, which he sees exactly, although they use all possible arts to hide them.
Bible Cross References
Job 10:4 Job 11:11 Job 13:16 Job 14:16 Job 24:23 Job 31:4 Psalm 33:15 Proverbs 5:21 Proverbs 15:3 Jeremiah 16:17 Jeremiah 23:24 Jeremiah 32:19

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
Job 3:13 Job 10:21 Job 11:20 Job 31:3 Job 38:17 Psalm 139:11 Psalm 139:12 Jeremiah 23:24 Amos 9:2 Amos 9:3

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
McArther Bible Commentary
go before God in judgment. These words do not refer to the judgment of the last days, but to the general accountability toward God that man experiences on a daily basis. The point Elihu made was that God did not need to go through all the trappings of the court to get to the sentence. God "knows their works" (Job 34:25).
Bible Cross References
Job 11:11 Job 34:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 19:20 Job 12:19

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:11 Job 34:20 Job 36:20 Job 38:13 Proverbs 12:7

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
As - Because they are wicked men. In the open light - In publick view for their greater shame, and for the greater glory of his justice.
Bible Cross References
Job 36:6 Job 38:13 Psalm 9:5 Psalm 11:5

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 15:11 Job 21:14 Isaiah 5:12

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Cry of the poor - Their case is bad, who have the prayers and tears of the poor against them: for these will draw down vengeance sooner or later, on the heads of their oppressors.
Bible Cross References
James 5:4 Exodus 22:23 Deuteronomy 15:9 Job 5:15 Job 8:6 Job 22:27 Job 29:12 Job 33:26 Job 34:29 Job 35:9 Lamentations 3:56

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Whether - God can carry on his work either of mercy or justice, as irresistible upon an whole nation as upon one particular person.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:28 Job 34:30 Psalm 94:13

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God's power and providence.
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Reign not - May not continue his tyranny, lest the people be ensnared, lest the people should be longer kept in the the snares of oppression; God doth this to free poor oppressed people from the snares which ungodly men lay for them.
Bible Cross References
Job 5:15 Job 20:5 Job 34:17 Job 34:29 Job 34:31 Proverbs 29:2

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
McArther Bible Commentary
God will not be regulated in His dealings by what people may think. He does not consult with men. If He chooses to chasten, He will decide when it is enough.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:30 Job 34:32

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That - The secret sins which I cannot discover, manifest thou to me.
Bible Cross References
Job 33:27 Job 34:31 Hosea 14:8

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Should it be - Doth God need thy advice how to govern the world, and whom, and when to reward or punish? Refuse - To submit as is expressed, (Job 34:32) . Therefore - If thou canst say any thing for thyself, I am ready to hear thy defence.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:34 Job 41:11 Jeremiah 25:28

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Let - I am content that any wise man should judge of my words, and let such consider what I say.
McArther Bible Commentary
Apparently, Elihu was convinced that Job needed some more chastening because of how he answered his prosecutors. He continued to defend his innocence and speak to God.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:33 Job 34:35

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
Bible Cross References
Job 34:34 Job 35:16 Job 38:2

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
End - Throughly and exactly, 'till the cause be brought to an issue. Wicked men - On their behalf; he hath put arguments into their mouths against God and his providence.
Bible Cross References
Job 22:15 Job 34:37

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu reproves Job.
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, (Psalm 145:17). The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Addeth - He sinned before, by impatience under his afflictions, now he is grown obstinate, and instead of humbling himself for his sins, justifies himself, and accuses the blessed God. Clapped - Insulting and triumphing. Against God - In effect, though not directly.
Bible Cross References
Job 23:2 Job 27:23 Job 35:1