Job 9:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 9:1-13

Bildad began with a rebuke to Job for talking so much, Job 8:2. Job makes no answer to that, though it would have been easy enough to retort it upon himself; but in what he next lays down as his principle, that God never perverts judgment, Job agrees with him: I know it is so of a truth, Job 9:2. Note, We should be ready to own how far we agree with those with whom we dispute, and should not slight, much less resist, a truth, though produced by an adversary and urged against us, but receive it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:4

He is wise in heart ,.... Originally, essentially, truly, really, and perfectly so; he is the only, and the all wise God; his understanding is infinite; he is able to traverse all the schemes of men, in things civil or religious, and disappoint all their devices; for though there be ever so many of them, or be ever so deeply laid, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand; for there is no wisdom, understanding, or counsel against him; and therefore it is in vain to contend with him: he is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 9:4

He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength - By his infinite knowledge he searches out and sees all things, and by his almighty power he can punish all delinquencies. He that rebels against him must be destroyed. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:1-4

Job to Bildad: 1. Bildad's theology refuted. I. AN IRONICAL CONCESSION . "I know that it is so of a truth." The doctrine propounded by Bildad ( Job 8:3 ), that in God's dealings with mankind such a thing as either a perversion or miscarriage of justice was impossible, Job in a certain sense allows. Abstractly considered, the sentiment was one which Job cheerfully admitted. As expounded by Bildad, that the Divine government of the world was one of visible retributive justice, he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:1-4

A gospel outline. I. A SUBLIME TRUTH . Them is no unrighteousness with God ( Job 9:1 ), in either: 1 . Permitting sin. ( Psalms 92:5 .) 2 . Afflicting man. ( Deuteronomy 8:5 .) 3 . Saving the penitent. ( Romans 3:26 ; 1 John 1:9 .) 4 . Punishing the wicked . ( Romans 3:5 ; 2 Thessalonians 1:6 .) II. A MELANCHOLY FACT . It is impossible for man to establish his righteousness before God ( Job 9:2 ), his guiltiness being: 1 . Declared... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:1-4

Man unable to answer to God. Job resumes. He knows, as truly as does Bildad, that God doth not pervert justice. His work is always right, while man is erring, vain, and sinful. How shall the creature "answer" to the Creator? Were the Holy One to condescend to enter into controversy with his frail creature man, the poor sinner would be dumb. Out of the mouth, even of the guilty, God would extort the confession of his own righteousness, and by his manifested glory compel the proud and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:1-35

Job, in answer to Bildad, admits the truth of his arguments, but declines to attempt the justification which can alone entitle him to accept the favourable side of Bildad's alternative. Man cannot absolutely justify himself before God. It is in vain to attempt to do so. The contest is too unequal. On the one side perfect wisdom and absolute strength (verse 4); on the other, weakness, imperfection, ignorance. guilt (verses 17-20). And no "daysman," or umpire, between them; no third party to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:2-20

God viewed as absolute and arbitrary Power. I. THE HELPLESSNESS OF MAN IN PRESENCE OF HIS OMNIPOTENCE . ( Job 9:1-3 .) What avails right on one's side against him who has all heaven's artillery at his command? "It is idle to argue with the Master of thirty legions." Out of a thousand questions with which the Almighty might overwhelm my mind, there is not one which I could answer with the chance of a fair hearing. Indeed, this in a sense is true, as the thirty-eighth... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:4

He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength . The sense is strengthened if we omit "he is," and render, Wise in heart, and mighty in strength , who hath hardened ' etc.? God's combination of perfect wisdom with infinite strength renders it hopeless for any man to contend with him. Who hath hardened himself against him; and hath prospered? Job fully admits the wisdom of all that Eliphaz ( Job 4:17 ) and Bildad ( Job 8:3-6 ) have said, or hinted, with respect to his inability... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 9:4

He is wise in heart - Herder renders this,Even the wise and the powerful,Who hath withstood him and prospered?But the more common interpretation is to refer it to God. The meaning of Job appears to be, that God was a sagacious adversary; that he was able to manage his cause; that he could meet and refute all objections which could be urged; and that it would be in vain to engage in a litigation before him. He so well understood the whole ground of debate, and was so entirely skilled in the... read more

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