Job 36:10-20

10 He sounds a warning in their ears and orders them to repent of their evil.
11 "If they pay attention and obey him, they spend their days in prosperity; their years pass pleasantly.
12 But if they don't pay attention, they perish by the sword and die without learning their lesson.
13 The godless in heart cherish their anger, not crying for help when he binds them.
14 Their soul perishes in their youth, and their life becomes depraved.
15 "God, with his affliction, delivers the afflicted; and he gets their attention by pressing on them.
16 Indeed [Iyov], he is drawing you away from distress to an untroubled open place, with rich food on your table.
17 But the judgment on the wicked applies fully to you, judgment and condemnation take hold [of them].
18 For beware of wrath when abundance entices you; don't let a big bribe turn you aside.
19 Will your great wealth help you? or all your efforts, no matter how strong?
20 Don't desire the night, when people suddenly die.

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.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.