Job 36:10-20

10 He opens their ears with discipline and commands them to turn from wrong.
11 If they listen and serve, they spend their days in plenty, their years contentedly.
12 But if they don't listen, they perish by the sword, breathe their last without understanding.
13 Those with impious hearts become furious; they don't cry out even though he binds them.
14 They die young; they are among the holy ones.
15 He saves the weak in their affliction, opens their ears through oppression.
16 Surely he draws you up from the brink of trouble to a wide place without distress; your table is set with rich food.
17 You are overly concerned about the case of the wicked; justice will be upheld in it.
18 Don't let them lure you with wealth; don't let a huge bribe mislead you.
19 Will he arrange your rescue from distress or from all your exertions of strength?
20 Don't wish for the night when people vanish from their place.

Job 36:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 36

This chapter, with the following, contains Elihu's fourth and last discourse, the principal view of which is to vindicate the righteousness of God; which is done by observing the dealings of God with men in his providence, according to their different characters, and from the wonderful works wrought by him in a sovereign manner, and for the benefit of his creatures. This chapter is introduced with a preface, the design of which is to gain attention, Job 36:1-4; the different dealings of God with men are observed, and the different issue of them, and the different ends answered thereby, Job 36:5-15; and it is suggested to Job, that had he attended to the design of the providence he was under, and had submitted to it patiently, things would have been otherwise with him; and therefore Elihu proceeds to give him some advice, which, if taken, would be for his own good, and the glory of God, Job 36:16-25; and closes the chapter by observing the unsearchable greatness of God, as appears by the works of nature wrought by him, Job 36:26-33.

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