Job 36:17-27

17 "But you are full of the judgment of the wicked. Judgment and justice take hold of you.

18 Don't let riches entice you to wrath, Neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.

19 Would your wealth sustain you in distress, Or all the might of your strength?

20 Don't desire the night, When people are cut off in their place.

21 Take heed, don't regard iniquity; For this you have chosen rather than affliction.

22 Behold, God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?

23 Who has prescribed his way for him? Or who can say, 'You have committed unrighteousness?'

24 "Remember that you magnify his work, Whereof men have sung.

25 All men have looked thereon. Man sees it afar off.

26 Behold, God is great, and we don't know him. The number of his years is unsearchable.

27 For he draws up the drops of water, Which distill in rain from his vapor,

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.