Job 9:14-24

14 "So how can I disagree with God? How can I possibly argue with him?

15 Even if I hadn't done anything wrong, I couldn't answer him. I could only beg my Judge to have mercy on me.

16 Suppose I called out to him and he answered. I don't believe he'd listen to me.

17 He would send a storm to crush me. He'd increase my wounds without any reason.

18 He wouldn't let me catch my breath. He'd make my life very bitter.

19 If it's a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it's a matter of being fair, who would dare to bring charges against him?

20 Even if I hadn't sinned, what I said would prove me guilty. Even if I were honest, my words would show that I'm wrong.

21 "Even though I'm honest, I'm not concerned about myself. I hate my own life.

22 It all amounts to the same thing. That's why I say, 'God destroys honest people and sinful people alike.'

23 Suppose a plague brings sudden death. Then he laughs when those who haven't sinned lose hope.

24 Suppose a nation falls into the power of sinful people. Then God makes its judges blind to the truth. If he isn't the one doing it, who is?

Job 9:14-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 9

This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to Bildad, and in this he asserts the strict justice at God; which is such, that no man can be just in his sight, not being able to answer to one charge, or for one sin, of a thousand he is guilty of, Job 9:1-3; and that such are his wisdom and power, that the most daring man cannot expect to succeed in an opposition to him, Job 9:4; instances are given of his power in the works of nature and providence, Job 9:5-10; notice is taken of the imperceptibleness of his actions and motions, and of his sovereignty in all his ways, Job 9:11,12; and of his fierce wrath and anger, which is such as obliges the proudest of men to stoop under him; and therefore Job chose not to contend in a judicial way with him, but in a suppliant manner would entreat him, since his hand was so heavy upon him, Job 9:13-21; he affirms, in direct opposition to Bildad and his friends, and insists upon it, that God afflicts both the righteous and the wicked; yea, gives the earth to the latter when he slays the former, Job 9:22-24; he then observes the shortness of his days, and complains of his heavy afflictions, Job 9:25-28; and concludes, that it was in vain for him to expect his cause to be heard before God, there being no daysman between them; and wishes that the dread of the Divine Majesty might be taken from him, and then he would freely and without fear speak unto him, Job 9:29-35.