Job 36:17-27

17 But now you are loaded down with the punishment sinners will receive. You have been judged fairly.
18 Be careful that no one tempts you with riches. Don't take money from people who want special favors, no matter how much it is.
19 Can your wealth keep you out of trouble? Can all of your mighty efforts keep you going?
20 Don't long for the night to come so you can drag people away from their homes.
21 Be careful not to do what is evil. You seem to like evil better than suffering!
22 "God is honored because he is so powerful. He has no equal as a teacher.
23 Who has told him what he can do? Who has said to him, 'You have done what is wrong'?
24 Remember to thank him for what he's done. People have praised him with their songs.
25 Every human being has seen his work. People can see it from far away.
26 How great God is! We'll never completely understand him. We'll never find out how long he has lived.
27 "He makes mist rise from the water. Then it falls as rain into the streams.

Job 36:17-27 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.

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