Job 36:21-31

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.

25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.

26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.

27 For he detains the drops of water; when the rain pours down rain out of its vapour,

28 which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.

29 Shall you understand the spreadings of the clouds or the noise of his tent?

30 Behold, he spreads his light upon it and covers the roots of the sea.

31 For by them he judges the peoples; he gives food to the multitude.

Job 36:21-31 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.