Verses 6–16
Eliphaz reminds Job, that no affliction comes by chance, nor is to be placed to second causes.
The difference between prosperity and adversity is not so exactly observed, as that between day
and night, summer and winter; but it is according to the will and counsel of God. We must not
attribute our afflictions to fortune, for they are from God; nor our sins to fate, for they are from
ourselves. Man is born in sin, and therefore born to trouble. There is nothing in this world we are
born to, and can truly call our own, but sin and trouble. Actual transgressions are sparks that fly
out of the furnace of original corruption. Such is the frailty of our bodies, and the vanity of all our
enjoyments, that our troubles arise thence as the sparks fly upward; so many are they, and so fast
does one follow another. Eliphaz reproves Job for not seeking God, instead of quarrelling with him.
Is any afflicted? let him pray. It is heart's ease, a salve for every sore. Eliphaz speaks of rain, which
we are apt to look upon as a little thing; but if we consider how it is produced, and what is produced
by it, we shall see it to be a great work of power and goodness. Too often the great Author of all
our comforts, and the manner in which they are conveyed to us, are not noticed, because they are
received as things of course. In the ways of Providence, the experiences of some are encouragements
to others, to hope the best in the worst of times; for it is the glory of God to send help to the helpless,
and hope to the hopeless. And daring sinners are confounded, and forced to acknowledge the justice
of God's proceedings.
Verses 17–27
Eliphaz gives to Job a word of caution and exhortation: Despise not thou the chastening of the
Almighty. Call it a chastening, which comes from the Father's love, and is for the child's good; and
notice it as a messenger from Heaven. Eliphaz also encourages Job to submit to his condition. A
good man is happy though he be afflicted, for he has not lost his enjoyment of God, nor his title to
heaven; nay, he is happy because he is afflicted. Correction mortifies his corruptions, weans his
heart from the world, draws him nearer to God, brings him to his Bible, brings him to his knees.
Though God wounds, yet he supports his people under afflictions, and in due time delivers them.
Making a wound is sometimes part of a cure. Eliphaz gives Job precious promises of what God
would do for him, if he humbled himself. Whatever troubles good men may be in, they shall do
them no real harm. Being kept from sin, they are kept from the evil of trouble. And if the servants
of Christ are not delivered from outward troubles, they are delivered by them, and while overcome
by one trouble, they conquer all. Whatever is maliciously said against them shall not hurt them.
They shall have wisdom and grace to manage their concerns. The greatest blessing, both in our
employments and in our enjoyments, is to be kept from sin. They shall finish their course with joy
and honour. That man lives long enough who has done his work, and is fit for another world. It is
a mercy to die seasonably, as the corn is cut and housed when fully ripe; not till then, but then not
suffered to stand any longer. Our times are in God's hands; it is well they are so. Believers are not
to expect great wealth, long life, or to be free from trials. But all will be ordered for the best. And
remark from Job's history, that steadiness of mind and heart under trial, is one of the highest
attainments of faith. There is little exercise for faith when all things go well. But if God raises a
storm, permits the enemy to send wave after wave, and seemingly stands aloof from our prayers,