15 But he delivereth the afflicted in his affliction, and openeth their ear in [their] oppression. 16 Even so would he have allured thee out of the jaws of distress into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and the supply of thy table [would be] full of fatness. 17 But thou art full of the judgments of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [on thee]. 18 Because there is wrath, [beware] lest it take thee away through chastisement: then a great ransom could not avail thee. 19 Will he esteem thy riches? Not gold, nor all the resources of strength! 20 Desire not the night, when peoples are cut off from their place. 21 Take heed, turn not to iniquity; for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. 22 Lo, God is exalted in his power: who teacheth as he? 23 Who hath appointed him his way? or who hath said, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 36:15-23
Commentary on Job 36:15-23
(Read Job 36:15-23)
Elihu shows that Job caused the continuance of his own trouble. He cautions him not to persist in frowardness. Even good men need to be kept to their duty by the fear of God's wrath; the wisest and best have enough in them to deserve his stroke. Let not Job continue his unjust quarrel with God and his providence. And let us never dare to think favourably of sin, never indulge it, nor allow ourselves in it. Elihu thinks Job needed this caution, he having chosen rather to gratify his pride and humour by contending with God, than to mortify them by submitting, and accepting the punishment. It is absurd for us to think to teach Him who is himself the Fountain of light, truth, knowledge, and instruction. He teaches by the Bible, and that is the best book; teaches by his Son, and he is the best Master. He is just in all proceedings.