Job 36:4-14

4 You can be sure that my words are not false; one who really knows is with you.

5 "God is powerful, but he does not hate people; he is powerful and sure of what he wants to do.

6 He will not keep evil people alive, but he gives the poor their rights.

7 He always watches over those who do right; he sets them on thrones with kings and they are honored forever.

8 If people are bound in chains, or if trouble, like ropes, ties them up,

9 God tells them what they have done, that they have sinned in their pride.

10 God makes them listen to his warning and commands them to change from doing evil.

11 If they obey and serve him, the rest of their lives will be successful, and the rest of their years will be happy.

12 But if they do not listen, they will die by the sword, and they will die without knowing why.

13 "Those who have wicked hearts hold on to anger. Even when God punishes them, they do not cry for help.

14 They die while they are still young, and their lives end in disgrace.

Job 36:4-14 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.