Job 36:14-24

14 Their soul shall die in youth, and their life is among the male pagan cult prostitutes.

15 He shall deliver the poor from his poverty, and in affliction shall open their ears.

16 Likewise, he would have removed thee out of the mouth of anguish into a broad place where there is no distress and should have set thy table full of fatness.

17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked, against the judgment and the justice that sustain everything.

18 Therefore it is to be feared that he take thee away with a stroke, which cannot be avoided even with a great ransom.

19 Will he esteem thy riches? No, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.

20 Do not desire the night, when he cuts people off in their place.

21 Take heed, do not regard iniquity, to choose it rather than poverty.

22 Behold, God is exalted by his power; what teacher is like him?

23 Who has prescribed his way unto him? Or who shall say unto him, Thou hast wrought iniquity?

24 Remember to magnify his work, which men behold.

Job 36:14-24 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.