Job 36:15-25

15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear by adversity.
16 He also allured you out of distress into a broad place where there was no constraint, and what was set on your table was full of fatness.
17 "But you are obsessed with the case of the wicked; judgment and justice seize you.
18 Beware that wrath does not entice you into scoffing, and do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.
19 Will your cry avail to keep you from distress, or will all the force of your strength?
20 Do not long for the night, when peoples are cut off in their place.
21 Beware! Do not turn to iniquity; because of that you have been tried by affliction.
22 See, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?
23 Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, "You have done wrong'?
24 "Remember to extol his work, of which mortals have sung.
25 All people have looked on it; everyone watches it from far away.

Job 36:15-25 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.

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.