convictions of the vanity of the creature, as we have had, or shall have, on a sick-bed, a death-bed,
or in trouble of conscience. Job upbraids his friends with their hard usage. Though in want, he
desired no more from them than a good look and a good word. It often happens that, even when
we expect little from man, we have less; but from God, even when we expect much, we have more.
Though Job differed from them, yet he was ready to yield as soon as it was made to appear that he
was in error. Though Job had been in fault, yet they ought not to have given him such hard usage.
His righteousness he holds fast, and will not let it go. He felt that there had not been such iniquity
in him as they supposed. But it is best to commit our characters to Him who keeps our souls; in the
great day every upright believer shall have praise of God.
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
Job's troubles. (1–6)
Job expostulates with God. (7–16)
He begs release. (17–21)Verses 1–6
Job here excuses what he could not justify, his desire of death. Observe man's present place:
he is upon earth. He is yet on earth, not in hell. Is there not a time appointed for his abode here?
yes, certainly, and the appointment is made by Him who made us and sent us here. During that,
man's life is a warfare, and as day-labourers, who have the work of the day to do in its day, and
must make up their account at night. Job had as much reason, he thought, to wish for death, as a
poor servant that is tired with his work, has to wish for the shadows of the evening, when he shall
go to rest. The sleep of the labouring man is sweet; nor can any rich man take so much satisfaction
in his wealth, as the hireling in his day's wages. The comparison is plain; hear his complaint: His
days were useless, and had long been so; but when we are not able to work for God, if we sit still
quietly for him, we shall be accepted. His nights were restless. Whatever is grievous, it is good to
see it appointed for us, and as designed for some holy end. When we have comfortable nights, we
must see them also appointed to us, and be thankful for them. His body was noisome. See what
vile bodies we have. His life was hastening apace. While we are living, every day, like the shuttle,
leaves a thread behind: many weave the spider's web, which will fail, ch. 8:14. But if, while we
live, we live unto the Lord, in works of faith and labours of love, we shall have the benefit, for
every man shall reap as he sowed, and wear as he wove.
Verses 7–16
Plain truths as to the shortness and vanity of man's life, and the certainty of death, do us good,
when we think and speak of them with application to ourselves. Dying is done but once, and therefore
it had need be well done. An error here is past retrieve. Other clouds arise, but the same cloud never