Verses 1–9
Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job's words. The plainest Christian,
whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the
Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that
lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that
say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God's children, Ps 73:13–15,
but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
Verses 10–15
Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual
benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy
him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If
services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God
will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer's final
condemnation is done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse than any
outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.
Verses 16–30
Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes,
who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption
to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers
considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit.
Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that
God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God?
The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.
Verses 31–37
When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job's friends would have
had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly
with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to
humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to
discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under
affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for
our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to
speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent
under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would
have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in
what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, Ps 145:17. The believer