14 How much less do I—I answer Him? Choose out my words with Him? 15 Whom, though I were righteous, I answer not, For my judgment I make supplication. 16 Though I had called and He answereth me, I do not believe that He giveth ear 'to' my voice. 17 Because with a tempest He bruiseth me, And hath multiplied my wounds for nought. 18 He permitteth me not to refresh my spirit, But filleth me with bitter things. 19 If of power, lo, the Strong One; And if of judgment—who doth convene me? 20 If I be righteous, Mine mouth doth declare me wicked, Perfect I am!—it declareth me perverse. 21 Perfect I am!—I know not my soul, I despise my life.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 9:14-21
Commentary on Job 9:14-21
(Read Job 9:14-21)
Job is still righteous in his own eyes, 1, and this answer, though it sets forth the power and majesty of God, implies that the question between the afflicted and the Lord of providence, is a question of might, and not of right; and we begin to discover the evil fruits of pride and of a self-righteous spirit. Job begins to manifest a disposition to condemn God, that he may justify himself, for which he is afterwards reproved. Still Job knew so much of himself, that he durst not stand a trial. If we say, We have no sin, we not only deceive ourselves, but we affront God; for we sin in saying so, and give the lie to the Scripture. But Job reflected on God's goodness and justice in saying his affliction was without cause.