Job 36:12-22

12 But if they disobey, they'll be cut down in their prime and never know the first thing about life.
13 Angry people without God pile grievance upon grievance, always blaming others for their troubles.
14 Living it up in sexual excesses, virility wasted, they die young.
15 But those who learn from their suffering, God delivers from their suffering. Obsessed with Putting the Blame on God
16 "Oh, Job, don't you see how God's wooing you from the jaws of danger? How he's drawing you into wide-open places - inviting you to feast at a table laden with blessings?
17 And here you are laden with the guilt of the wicked, obsessed with putting the blame on God!
18 Don't let your great riches mislead you; don't think you can bribe your way out of this.
19 Did you plan to buy your way out of this? Not on your life!
20 And don't think that night, when people sleep off their troubles, will bring you any relief.
21 Above all, don't make things worse with more evil - that's what's behind your suffering as it is!
22 "Do you have any idea how powerful God is? Have you ever heard of a teacher like him?

Job 36:12-22 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.

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.