17 to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride,
17 that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man;
17 To turn them back from something bad they're planning, from some reckless choice,
17 In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man,
17 He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 33:17
Commentary on Job 33:14-18
(Read Job 33:14-18)
God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; of all these Elihu discourses. There was not then, that we know of, any Divine revelation in writing, though now it is our principal guide. When God designs men's good, by the convictions and dictates of their own consciences, he opens the heart, as Lydia's, and opens the ears, so that conviction finds or forces its way in. The end and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. While sinners are pursuing evil purposes, and indulging their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction. That which turns men from sin, saves them from hell. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints of an awakened conscience!