Charles Ellicott Commentary Job 33:16

"Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction," — Job 33:16 (ASV)

Then he opens the ears of men and seals. —Compare Job 14:17: My transgression is sealed in a bag. He opens their ear, that is, He shows them that He will decree, confirm, and seal up their chastisement, the sentence that is to be executed upon them, if they will not repent. If taken in the sense of instruction, it must mean that He will complete and confirm it.