Job not guilty of hypocrisy and violence. (33–40)Verses 1–8
Job did not speak the things here recorded by way of boasting, but in answer to the charge of
hypocrisy. He understood the spiritual nature of God's commandments, as reaching to the thoughts
and intents of the heart. It is best to let our actions speak for us; but in some cases we owe it to
ourselves and to the cause of God, solemnly to protest our innocence of the crimes of which we
are falsely accused. The lusts of the flesh, and the love of the world, are two fatal rocks on which
multitudes split; against these Job protests he was always careful to stand upon his guard. And God
takes more exact notice of us than we do of ourselves; let us therefore walk circumspectly. He
carefully avoided all sinful means of getting wealth. He dreaded all forbidden profit as much as all
forbidden pleasure. What we have in the world may be used with comfort, or lost with comfort, if
honestly gotten. Without strict honestly and faithfulness in all our dealings, we can have no good
evidence of true godliness. Yet how many professors are unable to abide this touchstone!
Verses 9–15
All the defilements of the life come from a deceived heart. Lust is a fire in the soul: those that
indulge it, are said to burn. It consumes all that is good there, and lays the conscience waste. It
kindles the fire of God's wrath, which, if not quenched by the blood of Christ, will consume even
to eternal destruction. It consumes the body; it consumes the substance. Burning lusts bring burning
judgments. Job had a numerous household, and he managed it well. He considered that he had a
Master in heaven; and as we are undone if God should be severe with us, we ought to be mild and
gentle towards all with whom we have to do.
Verses 16–23
Job's conscience gave testimony concerning his just and charitable behaviour toward the poor.
He is most large upon this head, because in this matter he was particularly accused. He was tender
of all, and hurtful to none. Notice the principles by which Job was restrained from being uncharitable
and unmerciful. He stood in awe of the Lord, as certainly against him, if he should wrong the poor.
Regard to worldly interests may restrain a man from actual crimes; but the grace of God alone can
make him hate, dread, and shun sinful thoughts and desires.
Verses 24–32
Job protests, 1. That he never set his heart upon the wealth of this world. How few prosperous
professors can appeal to the Lord, that they have not rejoiced because their gains were great!
Through the determination to be rich, numbers ruin their souls, or pierce themselves with many
sorrows. 2. He never was guilty of idolatry. The source of idolatry is in the heart, and it corrupts
men, and provokes God to send judgments upon a nation. 3. He neither desired nor delighted in
the hurt of the worst enemy he had. If others bear malice to us, that will not justify us in bearing
malice to them. 4. He had never been unkind to strangers. Hospitality is a Christian duty, 1Pe 4:9.