‏ Job 34

* Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice. (1-9) God

cannot be unjust. (10-15) God's power and providence. (16-30)

Elihu reproves Job. (31-37)

1-9 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, #Ps

73:13-15|, but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say. 10-15 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. 16-30 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. 31-37 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, #Ps

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.