Job 8:1-7 - Homilies By R. Green

The Divine justice.

The words of Bildad, as of Job's other friends, are often marked by great beauty, and often embody principles of the highest practical value;, but they frequently err in their application. The judgment of the friends upon Job is based upon an error which the entire course of the book is designed to expose. Here a true principle is enunciated respecting the Divine justice; which is shown to manifest itself—

I. IS A STRICT INTEGRITY . (Verse 3.) "Doth God pervert judgment?"

II. IS A VIGOROUS PUNISHMENT OF INIQUITY . God gives the sinful up to the fruits of their wickedness (verse 4). But he shows both mercy and judgment.

III. IS A COMPASSIONATE FORGIVENESS OF THE PENITENT . And he exalts his just judgment—

IV. BY A GRACIOUS INTERPOSITION ON BEHALF OF THE PURE . (Verses 6, 7.) So that no cause of complaint could remain. The Divine justice is

(a) to its present treatment, and

(b) to its final decisions.—R.G.

Verses l-7

The unimpeachable character of the Divine judgment.

He rendereth to every man according to his works. His ways are equal.

I. HE THAT SINNETH IS PUNISHED . ( Job 8:4 .)

II. HE MERCIFULLY HEARETH THE PRAYER OF THE CONTRITE . ( Job 8:5 .)

III. HE BLESSETH THE RIGHTEOUS . ( Job 8:6 .)

IV. THOUGH HE CHASTISE , HE FINALLY REWARDETH THE UPRIGHT . ( Job 8:7 .)

To this all the former ages bear testimony, as the recorded or traditional sayings of the ancients bear witness.—R.G.