Matthew Henry Commentary Job 42:1-6

"Then Job answered Jehovah, and said, I know that thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of thine can be restrained. Who is this that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that which I understood not, Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak; I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; But now mine eye seeth thee: Wherefore I abhor [myself], And repent in dust and ashes." — Job 42:1-6 (ASV)

Job was now aware of his guilt; he would no longer speak in his own defense. He abhorred himself as a sinner in heart and life, especially for murmuring against God, and felt ashamed.

When the understanding is enlightened by the Spirit of grace, our knowledge of divine things far exceeds what we had before, just as the sight of the eyes excels hearsay and common reputation.

By the teachings of men, God reveals His Son to us; but by the teachings of His Spirit, He reveals His Son in us (Galatians 1:16) and changes us into the same image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

It is important for us to be deeply humbled for the sins of which we are convinced. Self-loathing is always the companion of true repentance.

The Lord will bring those whom He loves to adore Him in self-abasement, while true grace will always lead them to confess their sins without self-justifying.