If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain,
till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment
to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider
the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we
sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his
terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Chapter 33
Chapter Outline
Elihu offers to reason with Job. (1–7)
Elihu blames Job for reflecting upon God. (8–13)
God calls men to repentance. (14–18)
God sends afflictions for good. (19–28)
Elihu entreats Job's attention. (29–33)Verses 1–7
Job had desired a judge to decide his appeal. Elihu was one according to his wish, a man like
himself. If we would rightly convince men, it must be by reason, not by terror; by fair argument,
not by a heavy hand.
Verses 8–13
Elihu charges Job with reflecting upon the justice and goodness of God. When we hear any
thing said to God's dishonour, we ought to bear our testimony against it. Job had represented God
as severe in marking what he did amiss. Elihu urges that he had spoken wrong, and that he ought
to humble himself before God, and by repentance to unsay it. God is not accountable to us. It is
unreasonable for weak, sinful creatures, to strive with a God of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness.
He acts with perfect justice, wisdom, and goodness, where we cannot perceive it.
Verses 14–18
God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; of all these Elihu discourses.
There was not then, that we know of, any Divine revelation in writing, though now it is our principal
guide. When God designs men's good, by the convictions and dictates of their own consciences,
he opens the heart, as Lydia's, and opens the ears, so that conviction finds or forces its way in. The
end and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. While
sinners are pursuing evil purposes, and indulging their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction.