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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 22:1-4

Eliphaz here insinuates that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but it was a strained innuendo. Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says here is therefore unjustly applied to Job, but in itself it is very true and good, I. That when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us; if he were, there might be some colour to say, when he afflicts us, ?He does not deal fairly with us.? But whoever pretends that he has by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 22:1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said. As Eliphaz was the first that entered the discussion with Job, being perhaps the oldest man, and might be reckoned the wisest, so he gives the lead in every course of disputation; and here, instead of replying to Job's arguments and instances, at which he was very angry, betakes himself to calumny and reproach, and to draw invidious consequences, instead of making use of solid reasons for conviction and confutation. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 22:2

Can a man be profitable unto God ?.... Eliphaz imagined that Job thought so, by his insisting so much on his integrity, and complaining of his afflictions; and that God was beholden to him for his holiness and righteousness, and that instead of afflicting him, should have heaped honours and happiness upon him; whereas there is not anything a man can do, or does, by which God can be profiled; which is a very great truth, though misapplied to Job through a wrong construction of his words and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 22:3

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous ?.... It is not; the Lord indeed takes pleasure in his people, not as sinners, but as righteous; and as they are considered such in Christ, he is well pleased for his righteousness' sake, and with it, being agreeable to his nature, will, and law; and with his people in Christ, in whom they are accepted, having imputed the righteousness of his Son unto them, and so they stand before him unblamable and irreprovable, and he takes... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 22:4

Will he reprove thee for fear of thee ?.... That is, chastise, correct, and afflict, for fear that hurt should be done unto him; no, he will not; for as the goodness of men does not profit him, the sinfulness of men does not hurt him, see Job 35:6 . Kings and civil magistrates sometimes chastise offenders, not only to do justice to them, but through fear of them, lest, if spared or connived at, they should be hurtful to the state, and overturn it; but though sin is an act of hostility... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 22:2

Can a man be profitable unto God - God does not afflict thee because thou hast deprived him of any excellency. A man may be profitable to a man, but no man can profit his Maker. He has no interest in thy conduct; he does not punish thee because thou hast offended and deprived him of some good. Thy iniquities are against justice, and justice requires thy punishment. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 22:3

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty - Infinite in his perfections, he can neither gain nor lose by the wickedness or righteousness of men. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 22:4

For fear of thee? - Is it because he is afraid that thou wilt do him some injury, that he has stripped thee of thy power and wealth? read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 22:1-2

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God? Job had said nothing upon this point; but perhaps Eliphaz thinks his complaints and expostulations to imply a higher value in man, and a greater claim to consideration at God's hands, than can rightly be challenged. Certainly God does not depend on man for profit or advantage of any kind. Neither our wisdom nor our goodness "extendeth to him." As he that is wise may be profitable unto himself; rather, truly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 22:1-4

Eliphaz to Job: the third colloquy: the second controversy: 1 . A fallacious syllogism. I. A SOUND PREMISS . That God's government of mankind is entirely disinterested, his judicial retributions not being affected by considerations of personal benefit or hurt arising from the conduct of his creatures. 1. Not by expectation of advantage. (Verses 2, 3.) Here is: 2 . Not by fear of damage. (Verse 4.) Eliphaz appears to mean that God has as little reason to dread loss from... read more

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