Matthew Henry Commentary Job 36:15-23

"He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression. Yea, he would have allured thee out of distress Into a broad place, where there is no straitness; And that which is set on thy table would be full of fatness. But thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: Judgment and justice take hold [on thee]. For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside. Will thy cry avail, [that thou be] not in distress, Or all the forces of [thy] strength? Desire not the night, When peoples are cut off in their place. Take heed, regard not iniquity: For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Behold, God doeth loftily in his power: Who is a teacher like unto him? Who hath enjoined him his way? Or who can say, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness?" — Job 36:15-23 (ASV)

Elihu shows that Job caused the continuation of his own trouble. He cautions him not to persist in obstinacy. Even good people need to be kept to their duty by the fear of God's wrath; the wisest and best have enough in them to deserve His discipline.

Job should not continue his unjust quarrel with God and His providence. And let us never dare to think favorably of sin, never indulge it, nor allow it in ourselves. Elihu thinks Job needed this caution, because he had chosen to gratify his pride and temper by contending with God, rather than to mortify them by submitting and accepting the punishment.

It is absurd for us to think we can teach Him who is Himself the Fountain of light, truth, knowledge, and instruction. He teaches through the Bible, and that is the best book; He teaches through His Son, and He is the best Master. He is just in all His dealings.