Bible Commentary

Job 34:31-37

Matthew Henry on Job 34:31-37

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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 saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:1-37Elihu to the bystanders: the case of Job tried. I. THE COURT CONSTITUTED. 1. The panel. Job, a good man, a great sufferer, sorely calumniated deeply perplexed, involved in doubt and darkness, and guilty of much presumpt…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:1-37EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:1-37In this chapter Elihu turns from Job to those whom he addresses as "wise men" (verse 2), or "men of understanding" (verse 10). Whether these are Job's three special friends, or others among the company which had perhaps…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:1-37Elihu's second discourse: man has no right to doubt of God's fustier. I. CENSURE OF JOB'S DOUBTS. (Job 34:1-9.) In silence Job has listened to the reproof of his friend, and has apparently taken to heart the lesson that…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Job 34:31-37In these verses, I. Elihu instructs Job what he should say under his affliction, Job 34:31-32. Having reproved him for his peevish passionate words, he here puts better words into his mouth. When we reprove for what is…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:31Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement. (So Rosenmuller and others.) If the passage be thus rendered, Elihu must be considered as, like Eliphaz (Job 5:8), Bildad (Job 8:5), and Zophar (Job 11:1…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:32That which I see not, teach thou me; i.e. "If in anything I fail to see thy will, teach thou it me. Make thy way plain before my face." If I have done iniquity, I will do no more. The hypothetical form seems to be prefe…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Job 34:33Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it. The two clauses should be taken together, and the translation should run, "Should God recompense" (i.e. make his awards) "according to thy pleasure'" or "as tho…Joseph S. Exell and contributors