18 to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword.
18 he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.
18 And keep them from an early grave, from the river of no return.
18 He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.
18 He protects them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 33:18
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!