Matthew Henry Commentary Job 40:1-5

"Moreover Jehovah answered Job, and said, Shall he that cavilleth contend with the Almighty? He that argueth with God, let him answer it. Then Job answered Jehovah, and said, Behold, I am of small account; What shall I answer thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken, and I will not answer; Yea, twice, but I will proceed no further." — Job 40:1-5 (ASV)

Communion with the Lord effectively convinces and humbles a saint, and makes him glad to part with his most beloved sins. It is necessary to be thoroughly convinced and humbled, to prepare us for remarkable deliverances. After God had shown Job, by his clear ignorance of the works of nature, how unable he was to judge the methods and designs of Providence, He asks him a convincing question: Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?

Now Job began to melt into godly sorrow: when his friends reasoned with him, he did not yield; but the voice of the Lord is powerful. When the Spirit of truth has come, He will convince. Job yields himself to the grace of God. He admits he is an offender, and has nothing to say to justify himself.

He is now aware that he has sinned; and therefore he calls himself vile. Repentance changes men's opinion of themselves. Job is now convinced of his error. Those who are truly aware of their own sinfulness and vileness dare not justify themselves before God. He perceived that he was a poor, mean, foolish, and sinful creature, who ought not to have uttered one word against the Divine conduct.

One glimpse of God's holy nature would appall the most resolute rebel. How then will the wicked bear the sight of His glory on the day of judgment? But when we see this glory revealed in Jesus Christ, we will be humbled without being terrified; self-abasement agrees with filial love. (Job 40:6–14)