be deemed a hypocrite unless his prosperity was restored. Then shalt thou lift up thy face without
spot; that is, thou mayst come boldly to the throne of grace, and not with the terror and amazement
expressed in ch. 9:34. If we are looked upon in the face of the Anointed, our faces that were cast
down may be lifted up; though polluted, being now washed with the blood of Christ, they may be
lifted up without spot. We may draw near in full assurance of faith, when we are sprinkled from
an evil conscience, Heb 10:22.
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
Job reproves his friends. (1–5)
The wicked often prosper. (6–11)
Job speaks of the wisdom and power of (12–25)
God.Verses 1–5
Job upbraids his friends with the good opinion they had of their own wisdom compared with
his. We are apt to call reproofs reproaches, and to think ourselves mocked when advised and
admonished; this is our folly; yet here was colour for this charge. He suspected the true cause of
their conduct to be, that they despised him who was fallen into poverty. It is the way of the world.
Even the just, upright man, if he comes under a cloud, is looked upon with contempt.
Verses 6–11
Job appeals to facts. The most audacious robbers, oppressors, and impious wretches, often
prosper. Yet this is not by fortune or chance; the Lord orders these things. Worldly prosperity is of
small value in his sight: he has better things for his children. Job resolves all into the absolute
proprietorship which God has in all the creatures. He demands from his friends liberty to judge of
what they had said; he appeals to any fair judgment. (Job 12:12-25)
Verses 12–25
This is a noble discourse of Job concerning the wisdom, power, and sovereignty of God, in
ordering all the affairs of the children of men, according to the counsel of His own will, which none
can resist. It were well if wise and good men, who differ about lesser things, would see how it is
for their honour and comfort, and the good of others, to dwell most upon the great things in which
they agree. Here are no complaints, or reflections. He gives many instances of God's powerful
management of the children of men, overruling all their counsels, and overcoming all their
oppositions. Having all strength and wisdom, God knows how to make use, even of those who are
foolish and bad; otherwise there is so little wisdom and so little honesty in the world, that all had