Matthew Henry Commentary Job 23:8-12

"Behold, I go forward, but he is not [there]; And backward, but I cannot perceive him; On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him; He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him. But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside. I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." — Job 23:8-12 (ASV)

Job knew that the Lord was everywhere present; but his mind was in such confusion that he could get no fixed view of God's merciful presence, so that he could find comfort by spreading his case before Him. His views were all gloomy. God seemed to stand at a distance and frown upon him.

Yet Job expressed his assurance that he would be brought forth, tried, and approved, because he had obeyed the precepts of God. He had relished and delighted in the truths and commandments of God. Here we should notice that Job justified himself rather than God, or in opposition to Him (Job 32:2). Job might feel that he was clear from the charges of his friends, but it was his error to boldly assert that, though visited by the hand of God, it was not a chastisement for sin.

And he is guilty of a second error when he denies that there are dealings of Providence with men in this present life, in which the injured find redress and the evil are visited for their sins.