Job 34:32

32 teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?

Job 34:32 Meaning and Commentary

Job 34:32

[That which] I see not teach thou me
Which may be understood either of the chastisements of God, and his dealings with his people in a providential way, and of the design and use of them, which are sometimes unsearchable, and at most but a part of them only seen and known; it is meet to say to God, it is but a small part and portion of thy ways that is known by me; I can see but little into them: teach me more of thy mind and will in them, or else of sins and transgressions, the cause of chastisement; it is proper for an afflicted man to say unto God, I am conscious to myself of many sinful failings and infirmities, but there may be secret sins committed by me which have escaped my notice and observation; point them out to me, that I may be humbled for them, and make a free confession of them;

if I have done iniquity, I will do no more;
that is, if I have committed any capital crime, any foul offence or gross enormity, for otherwise no man lives without sin, I sincerely repent of it, and will take care for the future, through divine grace, to do so no more.

Job 34:32 In-Context

30 so that the godless should not reign, or those who ensnare the people.
31 "For has anyone said to God, "I have endured punishment; I will not offend any more;
32 teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?
33 Will he then pay back to suit you, because you reject it? For you must choose, and not I; therefore declare what you know.
34 Those who have sense will say to me, and the wise who hear me will say,
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.