18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.
18 Beware lest wrath entice you into scoffing, and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.
18 Don't let your great riches mislead you; don't think you can bribe your way out of this.
18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with one blow; For a large ransom would not help you avoid it.
18 But watch out, or you may be seduced by wealth. Don't let yourself be bribed into sin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 36:18
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.