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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1710)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O B</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXXII.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The stage is clear, for Job and his three friends have sat down, and
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neither he nor they have any thing more to say; it is therefore very
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seasonable for a moderator to interpose, and Elihu is the man. In this
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chapter we have,
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I. Some account of him, his parentage, his presence at this dispute,
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and his sentiments concerning it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:1-5">ver. 1-5</A>.
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II. The apology he made for his bold undertaking to speak to a question
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which had been so largely and learnedly argued by his seniors. He
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pleads,
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1. That, though he had not the experience of an old man, yet he had
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the understanding of a man,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:6-10">ver. 6-10</A>.
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2. That he had patiently heard all they had to say,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:11-13">ver. 11-13</A>.
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3. That he had something new to offer,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:14-17">ver. 14-17</A>.
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4. That his mind was full of this matter, and it would be a refreshment
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to him to give it vent,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:18-20">ver. 18-20</A>.
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5. That he was resolved to speak impartially,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:21,22">ver. 21, 22</A>.
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And he did speak so well to this matter that Job made no reply to him,
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and God gave him no rebuke when he checked both Job himself and his
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other three friends.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Job32_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Address of Elihu.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1520.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he <I>was</I>
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righteous in his own eyes.
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2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the
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Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled,
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because he justified himself rather than God.
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3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because
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they had found no answer, and <I>yet</I> had condemned Job.
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4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they <I>were</I>
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elder than he.
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5 When Elihu saw that <I>there was</I> no answer in the mouth of
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<I>these</I> three men, then his wrath was kindled.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Usually young men are the disputants and old men the moderators; but
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here, when old men were the disputants, as a rebuke to them for their
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unbecoming heat, a young man is raised up to be the moderator. Divers
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of Job's friends were present, that came to visit him and to receive
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instruction. Now here we have,</P>
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<P>
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I. The reason why his three friends were now silent. They <I>ceased to
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answer him,</I> and let him have his saying, <I>because he was
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righteous in his own eyes.</I> This was the reason they gave why they
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said no more, because it was to no purpose to argue with a man that was
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so opinionative,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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Those that are self-conceited are indeed hard to be wrought upon; there
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is more hope of a fool (a fool of God's making) than of those who are
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fools of their own making,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+26:12">Prov. xxvi. 12</A>.
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But they did not judge fairly concerning Job: he was really righteous
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before God, and not righteous in his own eyes only; so that it was only
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to save their own credit that they made this the reason of their
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silence, as peevish disputants commonly do when they find themselves
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run a-ground and are not willing to own themselves unable to make their
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part good.</P>
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<P>
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II. The reasons why Elihu, the fourth, now spoke. His name <I>Elihu</I>
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signifies <I>My God is he.</I> They had all tried in vain to convince
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Job, but <I>my God is he</I> that can and will do it, and did it at
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last: he only can open the understanding. He is said to be a
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<I>Buzite,</I> from Buz, Nahor's second son
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+22:21">Gen. xxii. 21</A>),
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and <I>of the kindred of Ram,</I> that is, <I>Aram</I> (so some),
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whence the Syrians or Aramites descended and were denominated,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+22:21">Gen. xxii. 21</A>.
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<I>Of the kindred of Abram;</I> so the Chaldee-paraphrase, supposing
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him to be first called <I>Ram--high,</I> then <I>Abram--a high
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father,</I> and lastly <I>Abraham--the high father of a multitude.</I>
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Elihu was not so well known as the rest, and therefore is more
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particularly described thus.</P>
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<P>
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1. Elihu spoke because he was angry and thought he had good cause to be
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so. When he had made his observations upon the dispute he did not go
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away and calumniate the disputants, striking them secretly with a
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malicious censorious tongue, but what he had to say he would say before
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their faces, that they might vindicate themselves if they could.
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(1.) He was angry at Job, because he thought he did not speak so
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reverently of God as he ought to have done; and that was too true
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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<I>He justified himself more than God,</I> that is, took more care and
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pains to clear himself from the imputation of unrighteousness in being
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thus afflicted than to clear God from the imputation of unrighteousness
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in afflicting him, as if he were more concerned for his own honour than
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for God's; whereas he should, in the first place, have justified God
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and cleared his glory, and then he might well enough have left his own
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reputation to shift for itself. Note, A gracious heart is jealous for
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the honour of God, and cannot but be angry when that is neglected or
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postponed, or when any injury is done it. Nor is it any breach of the
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law of meekness to be angry at our friends when they are offensive to
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God. <I>Get thee behind me, Satan,</I> says Christ to Simon. Elihu
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owned Job to be a good man, and yet would not say as he said when he
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thought he said amiss: it is too great a compliment to our friends not
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to tell them of their faults.
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(2.) He was angry at his friends because he thought they had not
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conducted themselves so charitably towards Job as they ought to have
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done
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>They had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.</I> They had
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adjudged him to be a hypocrite, a wicked man, and would not recede from
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that sentence concerning him; and yet they could not prove him so, nor
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disprove the evidences he produced of his integrity. They could not
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make good the premises, and yet held fast the conclusion. They had no
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reply to make to his arguments, and yet they would not yield, but,
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right or wrong, would run him down; and this was not fair. Seldom is a
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quarrel begun, and more seldom is a quarrel carried on to the length
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that this was, in which there is not a fault on both sides. Elihu, as
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became a moderator, took part with neither, but was equally displeased
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with the mistakes and mismanagement of both. Those that in good
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earnest seek for truth must thus be impartial in their judgments
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concerning the contenders, and not reject what is true and good on
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either side for the sake of what is amiss, nor approve or defend what
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is amiss for the sake of what is true and good, but must learn to
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separate between the precious and the vile.</P>
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<P>
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2. Elihu spoke because he thought that it was time to speak, and that
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now, at length, it had come to his turn,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:4,5"><I>v.</I> 4, 5</A>.
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(1.) He had waited on Job's speeches, had patiently heard him out,
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until the words of Job were ended.
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(2.) He had waited on his friends' silence, so that, as he would not
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interrupt him, so he would not prevent them, not because they were
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wiser than he, but because they were older than he, and therefore it
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was expected by the company that they should speak first; and Elihu was
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very modest, and would by no means offer to abridge them of their
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privilege. Some certain rules of precedency must be observed, for the
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keeping of order. Though inward real honour will attend true wisdom and
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worth, yet, since every man will think himself or his friend the wisest
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and worthiest, this can afford no certain rule for the outward
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ceremonial honour, which therefore must attend seniority either of age
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or office; and this respect the seniors may the better require because
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they paid it when they were juniors, and the juniors may the better pay
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because they shall have it when they come to be seniors.</P>
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<A NAME="Job32_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Job32_14"> </A>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I
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<I>am</I> young, and ye <I>are</I> very old; wherefore I was afraid, and
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durst not show you mine opinion.
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7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should
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teach wisdom.
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8 But <I>there is</I> a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the
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Almighty giveth them understanding.
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9 Great men are not <I>always</I> wise: neither do the aged
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understand judgment.
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10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine
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opinion.
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11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons,
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whilst ye searched out what to say.
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12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, <I>there was</I> none of
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you that convinced Job, <I>or</I> that answered his words:
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13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth
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him down, not man.
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14 Now he hath not directed <I>his</I> words against me: neither
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will I answer him with your speeches.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Elihu here appears to have been,</P>
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<P>
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I. A man of great modesty and humility. Though a young man, and a man
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of abilities, yet not pert, and confident, and assuming: his face
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shone, and, like Moses, he did not know it, which made it shine so much
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the brighter. Let it be observed by all, especially by young people, as
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worthy their imitation,
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1. What a diffidence he had of himself and of his own judgment
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
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"<I>I am young, and therefore I was afraid, and durst not show you my
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opinion,</I> for fear I should either prove mistaken or do that which
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was unbecoming me." He was so observant of all that passed, and applied
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his mind so closely to what he heard, that he had formed in himself a
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judgment of it. He neither neglected it as foreign, nor declined it as
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intricate; but, how clear soever the matter was to himself, he was
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afraid to deliver his mind upon it, because he differed in his
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sentiments from those that were older than he. Note, It becomes us to
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be suspicious of our own judgment in matters of doubtful disputation,
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to be swift to hear the sentiments of others and slow to speak our own,
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especially when we go contrary to the judgment of those for whom, upon
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the score of their learning and piety, we justly have a veneration.
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2. What a deference he paid to his seniors, and what great
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expectations he had from them,
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>):
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<I>I said, Days should speak.</I> Note, Age and experience give a man
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great advantage in judging of things, both as they furnish a man with
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so much the more matter for his thoughts to work upon and as they ripen
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and improve the facilities he is to work with, which is a good reason
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why old people should take pains both to learn themselves and to teach
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others (else the advantages of their age are a reproach to them), and
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why young people should attend on their instructions. It is a good
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<I>lodging with an old disciple,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+21:16,Tit+2:4">Acts xxi. 16; Tit. ii. 4</A>.
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Elihu's modesty appeared in the patient attention he gave to what his
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seniors said,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:11,12"><I>v.</I> 11, 12</A>.
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He waited for their words as one that expected much from them,
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agreeably to the opinion he had of these grave men. He gave ear to
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their reasons, that he might take their meaning, and fully understand
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what was the drift of their discourse and what the force of their
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arguments. He attended to them with diligence and care, and this,
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(1.) Though they were slow, and took up a great deal of time in
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searching out what to say. Though they had often to seek for matter and
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words, paused and hesitated, and were unready at their work, yet he
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overlooked that, and <I>gave ear to their reasons,</I> which, if really
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convincing, he would not think the less so for the disadvantages of the
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delivery of them.
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(2.) Though they trifled and made nothing of it, though none of them
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answered Job's words nor said what was proper to convince him, yet he
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attended to them, in hopes they would bring it to some head at last. We
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must often be willing to hear what we do not like, else we cannot prove
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all things. His patient attendance on their discourses he pleads,
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[1.] As that which entitled him to a liberty of speech in his turn and
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empowered him to require their attention. <I>Hanc veniam petimusque
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damusque vicissim--This liberty we mutually allow and ask.</I> Those
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that have heard may speak, and those that have learned may teach.
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[2.] As that which enabled him to pass a judgment upon what they had
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said. He had observed what they aimed at, and therefore knew what to
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say to it. Let us be thoroughly apprized of the sentiments of our
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brethren before we censure them; for <I>he that answers a matter before
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he hears it,</I> or when he has heard it only by halves, <I>it is folly
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and shame to him,</I> and bespeaks him both impertinent and
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imperious.</P>
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<P>
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II. A man of great sense and courage, and one that knew as well when
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and how to speak as when and how to keep silence. Though he had so much
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respect to his friends as not to interrupt them with his speaking, yet
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he had so much regard to truth and justice (his better friends) as not
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to betray them by his silence. He boldly pleads,</P>
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<P>
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1. That man is a rational creature, and therefore that every man has
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for himself a judgment of discretion and ought to be allowed a liberty
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of speech in his turn. He means the same that Job did
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+12:2"><I>ch.</I> xii. 3</A>,
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<I>But I have understanding as well as you</I>) when he says
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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<I>But there is a spirit in man;</I> only he expresses it a little more
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modestly, that one man has understanding as well as another, and no man
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can pretend to have the monopoly of reason or to engross all the trade
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of it. Had he meant <I>I have revelation as well as you</I> (as some
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understand it), he must have proved it; but, if he meant only <I>I have
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reason as well as you,</I> they cannot deny it, for it is every man's
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honour, and it is no presumption to claim it, nor could they gainsay
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his inference from it
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>):
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<I>Therefore hearken to me.</I> Learn here,
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(1.) That the soul is a spirit, neither material itself nor dependent
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upon matter, but capable of conversing with things spiritual, which are
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not the objects of sense.
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(2.) It is an understanding spirit. It is able to discover and receive
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truth, to discourse and reason upon it, and to direct and rule
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accordingly.
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(3.) This understanding spirit is in every man; it is the light <I>that
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lighteth every man,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:9">John i. 9</A>.
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(4.) It is the inspiration of the Almighty that gives us this
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understanding spirit; for he is the Father of spirits and fountain of
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understanding. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+2:7,Ec+12:7,Zec+12:1">Gen. ii. 7;
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Eccl. xii. 7; Zech. xii. 1</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. That those who are advanced above others in grandeur and gravity do
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not always proportionably go beyond them in knowledge and wisdom
|
|
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|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>):
|
|
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|
<I>Great men are not always wise;</I> it is a pity but they were, for
|
|
then they would never do hurt with their greatness and would do so much
|
|
the more good with their wisdom. Men should be preferred for their
|
|
wisdom, and those that are in honour and power have most need of wisdom
|
|
and have the greatest opportunity of improving in it; and yet it does
|
|
not follow that great men are always wise, and therefore it is folly to
|
|
subscribe to the dictates of any with an implicit faith. The aged do
|
|
not always understand judgment; even <I>they</I> may be mistaken, and
|
|
therefore must not expect to bring every thought into obedience to
|
|
them: nay, <I>therefore</I> they must not take it as an affront to be
|
|
contradicted, but rather take it as a kindness to be instructed, by
|
|
their juniors: <I>Therefore I said, hearken to me,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
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|
We must be willing to hear reason from those that are every way
|
|
inferior to us, and to yield to it. He that has a good eye can see
|
|
further upon level ground than he that is purblind can from the top of
|
|
the highest mountain. <I>Better is a poor and wise child then an old
|
|
and foolish king,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+4:13">Eccl. iv. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
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|
<P>
|
|
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|
3. That it was requisite for something to be said, for the setting of
|
|
this controversy in a true light, which, by all that had hitherto been
|
|
said, was but rendered more intricate and perplexed
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
|
|
|
|
"I must speak, <I>lest you should say, We have found out wisdom,</I>
|
|
lest you should think your argument against Job conclusive and
|
|
irrefragable, and that Job cannot be convinced and humbled by any other
|
|
argument than this of yours, <I>That God casteth him down and not
|
|
man,</I> that it appears by his extraordinary afflictions that God is
|
|
his enemy, and therefore he is certainly a wicked man. I must show you
|
|
that this is a false hypothesis and that Job may be convinced without
|
|
maintaining it." Or, "Lest you should think you have found out the
|
|
wisest way, to reason no more with him, but leave it to God to thrust
|
|
him down." It is time to speak when we hear errors advanced and
|
|
disputed for, especially under pretence of supporting the cause of God
|
|
with them. It is time to speak when God's judgments are vouched for the
|
|
patronizing of men's pride and passion and their unjust uncharitable
|
|
censures of their brethren; then we must speak on God's behalf.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. That he had something new to offer, and would endeavour to manage
|
|
the dispute in a better manner than it had hitherto been managed,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
He thinks he may expect a favourable hearing; for,
|
|
|
|
(1.) He will not reply to Job's protestations of his integrity, but
|
|
allows the truth of them, and therefore does not interpose as his
|
|
enemy: "<I>He hath not directed his words against me.</I> I have
|
|
nothing to say against the main scope of his discourse, nor do I differ
|
|
from his principles. I have only a gentle reproof to give him for his
|
|
passionate expressions."
|
|
|
|
(2.) He will not repeat their arguments, nor go upon their principles:
|
|
"<I>Neither will I answer him with your speeches</I>--not with the same
|
|
matter, for should I only say what has been said I might justly be
|
|
silenced as impertinent,--nor in the same manner; I will not be guilty
|
|
of that peevishness towards him myself which I dislike in you." The
|
|
controversy that has already been fully handled a wise man will let
|
|
alone, unless he can amend and improve what has been done; why should
|
|
he <I>actum agere--do that which has been done already?</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Job32_22"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off
|
|
speaking.
|
|
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still,
|
|
<I>and</I> answered no more;)
|
|
17 <I>I said,</I> I will answer also my part, I also will show mine
|
|
opinion.
|
|
18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth
|
|
me.
|
|
19 Behold, my belly <I>is</I> as wine <I>which</I> hath no vent; it is
|
|
ready to burst like new bottles.
|
|
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips
|
|
and answer.
|
|
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let
|
|
me give flattering titles unto man.
|
|
22 For I know not to give flattering titles; <I>in so doing</I> my
|
|
maker would soon take me away.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Three things here apologize for Elihu's interposing as he does in this
|
|
controversy which had already been canvassed by such acute and learned
|
|
disputants:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That the stage was clear, and he did not break in upon any of the
|
|
managers on either side: <I>They were amazed</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>they stood still, and answered no more,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
They not only left off speaking themselves, but they stood still, to
|
|
hear if any of the company would speak their minds, so that (as we say)
|
|
he had room and fair play given him. They seemed not fully satisfied
|
|
themselves with what they had said, else they would have adjourned the
|
|
court, and not have stood still, expecting what might further be
|
|
offered. And therefore <I>I said</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
"<I>I will answer also my part.</I> I cannot pretend to give a
|
|
definitive sentence; no, the judgment is the Lord's, and by him it must
|
|
be determined who is in the right and who is in the wrong; but, since
|
|
you have each of you shown your opinion, I also will show mine, and let
|
|
it take its fate with the rest." When what is offered, even by the
|
|
meanest, is offered thus modestly, it is a pity but it should be fairly
|
|
heard and considered. I see no inconvenience in supposing that Elihu
|
|
here discovers himself to be the penman of this book, and that he here
|
|
writes as an historian, relating the matter of fact, that, after he had
|
|
bespoken their attention in the foregoing verses, they were amazed,
|
|
they left off whispering among themselves, did not gainsay the liberty
|
|
of speech he desired, but stood still to hear what he would say, being
|
|
much surprised at the admirable mixture of boldness and modesty that
|
|
appeared in his preface.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That he was uneasy, and even in pain, to be delivered of his
|
|
thoughts upon this matter. They must give him leave to speak, for he
|
|
cannot forbear; while he is <I>musing the fire burns</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+39:3">Ps. xxxix. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>shut up in his bones,</I> as the prophet speaks,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+20:9">Jer. xx. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
Never did nurse, when her breasts were gorged, so long to have them
|
|
drawn as Elihu did to deliver his mind concerning Job's case,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:18-20"><I>v.</I> 18-20</A>.
|
|
|
|
If any of the disputants had hit that which he thought was the right
|
|
joint, he would contentedly have been silent; but, when he thought they
|
|
all missed it, he was eager to be trying his hand at it. He pleads,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That he had a great deal to say: "<I>I am full of matter,</I>
|
|
having carefully attended to all that has hitherto been said, and made
|
|
my own reflections upon it." When aged men are drawn dry, and have
|
|
spent their stock, in discoursing of the divine Providence, God can
|
|
raise up others, even young men, and fill them with matter for the
|
|
edifying of his church; for it is a subject that can never be
|
|
exhausted, though those that speak upon it may.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That he was under a necessity of saying it: "<I>The spirit within
|
|
me</I> not only instructs me what to say, but puts me on to say it; so
|
|
that if I have not vent (such a ferment are my thoughts in) I shall
|
|
<I>burst like bottles of new wine</I> when it is working,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
See what a great grief it is to a good minister to be silenced and
|
|
thrust into a corner; he is full of matter, full of Christ, full of
|
|
heaven, and would speak of these things for the good of others, but he
|
|
may not.
|
|
|
|
(3.) That it would be an ease and satisfaction to himself to deliver
|
|
his mind
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I will speak, that I may be refreshed,</I> not only that I may be
|
|
eased of the pain of stifling my thoughts, but that I may have the
|
|
pleasure of endeavouring, according to my place and capacity, to do
|
|
good. It is a great refreshment to a good man to have liberty to speak
|
|
for the glory of God and the edification of others.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. That he was resolved to speak, with all possible freedom and
|
|
sincerity, what he thought was true, not what he thought would please
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+32:21,22"><I>v.</I> 21, 22</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Let me not accept any man's person,</I> as partial judges do, that
|
|
aim to enrich themselves, not to do justice. I am resolved to flatter
|
|
no man." He would not speak otherwise than he thought, either,
|
|
|
|
(1.) In compassion to Job, because he was poor and in affliction, would
|
|
not make his case better than he really took it to be, for fear of
|
|
increasing his grief; "but, let him bear it as he can, he shall be told
|
|
the truth." Those that are in affliction must not be flattered, but
|
|
dealt faithfully with. When trouble is upon any it is foolish pity to
|
|
suffer sin upon them too
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+19:17">Lev. xix. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
for that is the worst addition that can be to their trouble. Thou shalt
|
|
not countenance, any more than discountenance, <I>a poor man in his
|
|
cause</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+23:3">Exod. xxiii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
nor regard a sad look any more than a big look, so as, for the sake of
|
|
it, to pervert justice, for that is accepting persons. Or,
|
|
|
|
(2.) In compliment to Job's friends, because they were in prosperity
|
|
and reputation. Let them not expect that he should say as they said,
|
|
any further than he was convinced that they say right, nor applaud
|
|
their dictates for the sake of their dignities. No, though Elihu is a
|
|
young man, and upon his preferment, he will not dissemble truth to
|
|
court the favour of great men. It is a good resolution he has taken
|
|
up--"<I>I know not to give flattering titles to men;</I> I never used
|
|
myself to flattering language;" and it is a good reason he gives for
|
|
that resolution--<I>in so doing my Maker would soon take my away.</I>
|
|
It is good to keep ourselves in awe with a holy fear of God's
|
|
judgments. He that made us will take us away in his wrath is we do not
|
|
conduct ourselves as we should. He hates all dissimulation and
|
|
flattery, and will soon <I>put lying lips to silence</I> and <I>cut off
|
|
flattering lips,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+12:3">Ps. xii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
The more closely we eye the majesty of God as our Maker, and the more
|
|
we dread his wrath and justice, the less danger shall we be in of a
|
|
sinful fearing or flattering of men.</P>
|
|
|
|
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