Job 36:18

18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.

Job 36:18 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
English Standard Version (ESV)
18 Beware lest wrath entice you into scoffing, and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 But watch out, or you may be seduced by wealth. Don’t let yourself be bribed into sin.
The Message Bible (MSG)
18 Don't let your great riches mislead you; don't think you can bribe your way out of this.
American Standard Version (ASV)
18 For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
18 Be careful that you are not led astray with riches. Don't let a large bribe turn you [to evil ways].
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
18 Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large ransom lead you astray.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
18 Be careful that no one tempts you with riches. Don't take money from people who want special favors, no matter how much it is.

Job 36:18 Meaning and Commentary

Job 36:18

Because [there is] wrath
Either wrath in Job, so some; indignation and impatience under the afflicting hand of God, expressed by cursing the day of his birth, and by his angry pleadings with God: and therefore Elihu advises him to beware of it, and check this impetuous spirit; cease from his anger and forsake wrath, and fret not himself to do evil, and provoke the Lord to take him away at once, and then his case would be irretrievable. Or rather wrath in God, which is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. His vindictive and punitive justice, to revenge and punish wickedness, the effects of which are sometimes awful judgments on men in this life; and eternal vengeance hereafter, called wrath to come: this is laid up in store with him, and sealed up in his treasures, prepared in his purposes and decrees, is revealed in his law, and breaks forth in various instances; see ( Numbers 16:46 ) . And there is an appearance of wrath, a little wrath, which is no other than love displeased, in the afflictions and chastisements of God's people, and might be perceived by Job: and this being the case, Elihu advises him to

[beware];
which, though not expressed in the original, is well supplied; and his meaning is, that he would be cautious of what he said, and not go on to multiply words against God; speak unbecomingly of him, arraign his justice, and find fault with his dealings with him; as well as beware of his actions, conduct, and behaviour, that his tongue and his doings be not against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory;

lest he take thee away with [his] stroke;
out of the world by death, which is the stroke of his hand; and is sometimes given suddenly, and in an awful manner, in wrath and vengeance. Some render the last word, "with clapping of hands" F25; either the hands of men, ( Job 27:23 ) ; or of God; expressing his exultation and pleasure at the death of such a person, laughing at his calamity, and mocking when fear cometh; which is dreadful and tremendous;

then a great ransom cannot deliver thee:
there is no ransom on earth equal to the life or soul of man; "what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" ( Matthew 16:26 ) ; see ( Psalms 49:6-8 ) . The great ransom of all is the ransom of Christ, which Elihu had made mention of before, ( Job 33:24 ) ; and what else could he have in his mind now? This is the ransom found by infinite wisdom, which Christ came to give, and has given; and by which he has ransomed his people from him that is stronger than they, from the bondage of sin, of Satan, of the world, of hell and death, and everlasting destruction: and this is a great one, plenteous redemption, a great salvation; the ransomer is the great God and our Saviour; the ransom price is not corruptible things, as silver and gold, but the precious blood of Christ, his life, yea, he himself. How great must this ransom be! and it is given for great sinners, the chief of them; and is sufficient for all the elect of God, both Jews and Gentiles: and yet, as great as it is, it is of no avail to one that God has taken away by a stroke out of this world, and sent to everlasting destruction; not through want of sufficiency in this ransom, but by reason of the final and unalterable state of such persons; as, even in the present life, it is of no avail to the deniers and despisers of it, ( Hebrews 10:26-29 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F25 (qpvb) "complosione manuum", Tigurine version; so some in Munster.

Job 36:18 In-Context

16 “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.
17 But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you.
18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.
19 Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress?
20 Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Exodus 23:8; Amos 5:12
  • 2. S Job 34:33
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.