15 "He delivers the afflicted in their affliction , And opens their ear in time of oppression . 16 "Then indeed , He enticed you from the mouth of distress , Instead of it, a broad place with no constraint ; And that which was set on your table was full of fatness . 17 "But you were full of judgment on the wicked ; Judgment and justice take hold of you. 18 "Beware that wrath does not entice you to scoffing ; And do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside . 19 "Will your riches keep you from distress , Or all the forces of your strength ? 20 "Do not long for the night , When people vanish in their place . 21 "Be careful , do not turn to evil , For you have preferred this to affliction . 22 "Behold , God is exalted in His power ; Who is a teacher like Him? 23 "Who has appointed Him His way , And who has said , ' You have done wrong '?
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.