‏ Job 22

* Eliphaz shows that a man's goodness profits not God. (1-4) Job

accused of oppression. (5-14) The world before the flood.

(15-20) Eliphaz exhorts Job to repentance. (21-30)

1-4 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. 5-14 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. 15-20 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. 21-30 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.