2 "Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person benefit him?
2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
2 "Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
2 "Are any of us strong enough to give God a hand, or smart enough to give him advice?
2 "Can a man be profitable to God, Though he who is wise may be profitable to himself?
2 "Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 22:2
Commentary on Job 22:1-4
(Read Job 22:1-4)
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.