Job 36:3-13

3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words shall not be false; He that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
5 "Behold, God is mighty and despiseth not any; He is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked, but giveth right to the poor.
7 He withdraweth not His eyes from the righteous, but with kings are they on the throne; yea, He doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
8 And if they be bound in fetters, and be held in cords of affliction,
9 then He showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures.
12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
13 "But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath; they cry not when He bindeth them.

Job 36:3-13 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.

Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.