Job 35:13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 35:9-13

Elihu here returns an answer to another word that Job had said, which, he thought, reflected much upon the justice and goodness of God, and therefore ought not to pass without a remark. Observe, I. What it was that Job complained of; it was this, That God did not regard the cries of the oppressed against their oppressors (Job 35:9): ?By reason of the multitude of oppressions, the many hardships which proud tyrants put upon poor people and the barbarous usage they give them, they make the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 35:13

Surely God will not hear vanity ,.... Or "a lie" F26 שוא "falsitatem", Beza; "mendacium", Pagninus, Montanus. , than which nothing is more an abomination to him; if men come to him with a lie in their mouths, they cannot expect to be heard by him; he is only nigh to those who call upon him in truth: or that which is "rash" F1 "Quod temerarium est", Cocceius. ; which is rashly uttered, and in a passionate wrathful manner, savouring of a revengeful spirit, too often the case of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 35:13

Surely God will not hear vanity - He will not attend to such vain cries; they cry from their oppressions, but they cry not to God. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 35:1-16

In this short chapter, once more Elihu addresses himself to Job, first (verses 1-8) answering his complaint that a life of righteousness has brought him no correspondent blessings; and then (verses 9-14) explaining to him that his prayers and appeals to God have probably not been answered because they were not preferred in a right spirit, i.e. with faith and humility. Finally (verse 15, 16), he condemns Job for haughtiness and arrogance, and reiterates the charge that he "multiplies... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 35:1-16

Elihu to Job: the trial of Job continued. I. JOB 'S OFFENCE RESTATED . Returning to the charge, Elihu accuses Job of having given utterance to two dangerous assertions. 1 . That his ( Job ' s ) righteousness was greater than God ' s. "Thinkest thou this to be right?"—dost thou hold this for a sound judgment?—"that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?" (verse 2). That Job never used this expression may be true; but that Elihu does not unfairly represent the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 35:1-16

Elihu's third speech: the profit of godliness. I. FOLLY OF THE OPINION THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN GODLINESS . ( Job 35:1-8 .) A good man, says Elihu, would not speak as Job has done, questioning whether godliness is more profitable than sin. But what is the refutation of this dangerous notion? The speaker points to the blessed self-sufficiency of God, the exalted One in the heavens. In this light man must appear alone as one who draws advantage from his righteousness... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 35:9-14

Job had made it a frequent subject of complaint that God did not hear, or at any rate did not answer, his prayers and cries for relief. Elihu answers that Job's case is not exceptional. Those who cry out against oppression and suffering frequently receive no answer, but it is because they "ask amiss." Job should have patience and trust. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 35:13

Surely God will not hear vanity . God will not hear prayers that are rendered "vain" by sin or defect in those who offer them, as by a want of faith, piety, humility, or resignation. Neither will the Almighty regard any such petitions. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 35:13

Surely God will not hear vanity - A vain, hollow, heartless petition. The object of Elihu here is to account for the reason why sufferers are not relieved - having his eye, doubtless, on the case of Job as one of the most remarkable of the kind. The solution which he here gives of the difficulty is, that it is not consistent for God to hear a prayer where there is no sincerity. Of the “truth” of the remark there can be no doubt, but he seems to have taken it for granted that all prayers offered... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 35:13

Job 35:13. Surely God will not hear vanity Either, 1st, Vain and light persons, that have no true wisdom nor solid piety in them: but are wholly addicted to vain and worldly things, rejoicing immoderately when they have them, and crying out in distress when they have them not. Or, 2d, Vain cries; which proceed not from true penitence, faith, or piety, but only from self-love, and such a sense of misery as is common to men with brute beasts. Neither will the Almighty regard it Though God... read more

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