Matthew Henry Commentary Job 34:31-37

"For hath any said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]: That which I see not teach thou me: If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more? Shall his recompense be as thou wilt, that thou refusest it? For thou must choose, and not I: Therefore speak what thou knowest. Men of understanding will say unto me, Yea, every wise man that heareth me: Job speaketh without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom. Would that Job were tried unto the end, Because of his answering like wicked men. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin; He clappeth his hands among us, And multiplieth his words against God." — Job 34:31-37 (ASV)

When we correct for what is wrong, we must guide towards what is good. Job's friends wanted him to admit he was a wicked man. Let will only compel him to admit that he spoke rashly with his lips. When giving correction, let us not make a matter worse than it is.

Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins and to accept the punishment. Also, to pray to God to reveal his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst about himself; particularly, when under affliction, he desires to be told why God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more.

And if we are affectionate children, we will love to speak with our Father and to tell Him all that is on our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are inclined to think everything that concerns us should be just as we would want it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said.

God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works (Psalms 145:17). The believer says, Let my Savior, my wise and loving Lord, choose everything for me. I am sure that will be wisest and best for his glory and my good.