‏ Job 13

* Job reproves his friends. (1-12) He professes his confidence

in God. (13-22) Job entreats to know his sins. (23-28)

1-12 With self-preference, Job declared that he needed not to

be taught by them. Those who dispute are tempted to magnify

themselves, and lower their brethren, more than is fit. When

dismayed or distressed with the fear of wrath, the force of

temptation, or the weight of affliction, we should apply to the

Physician of our souls, who never rejects any, never prescribes

amiss, and never leaves any case uncured. To Him we may speak at

all times. To broken hearts and wounded consciences, all

creatures, without Christ, are physicians of no value. Job

evidently speaks with a very angry spirit against his friends.

They had advanced some truths which nearly concerned Job, but

the heart unhumbled before God, never meekly receives the

reproofs of men. 13-22 Job resolved to cleave to the testimony his own

conscience gave of his uprightness. He depended upon God for

justification and salvation, the two great things we hope for

through Christ. Temporal salvation he little expected, but of

his eternal salvation he was very confident; that God would not

only be his Saviour to make him happy, but his salvation, in the

sight and enjoyment of whom he should be happy. He knew himself

not to be a hypocrite, and concluded that he should not be

rejected. We should be well pleased with God as a Friend, even

when he seems against us as an enemy. We must believe that all

shall work for good to us, even when all seems to make against

us. We must cleave to God, yea, though we cannot for the present

find comfort in him. In a dying hour, we must derive from him

living comforts; and this is to trust in him, though he slay us. 23-28 Job begs to have his sins discovered to him. A true

penitent is willing to know the worst of himself; and we should

all desire to know what our transgressions are, that we may

confess them, and guard against them for the future. Job

complains sorrowfully of God's severe dealings with him. Time

does not wear out the guilt of sin. When God writes bitter

things against us, his design is to make us bring forgotten sins

to mind, and so to bring us to repent of them, as to break us

off from them. Let young persons beware of indulging in sin.

Even in this world they may so possess the sins of their youth,

as to have months of sorrow for moments of pleasure. Their

wisdom is to remember their Creator in their early days, that

they may have assured hope, and sweet peace of conscience, as

the solace of their declining years. Job also complains that his

present mistakes are strictly noticed. So far from this, God

deals not with us according to our deserts. This was the

language of Job's melancholy views. If God marks our steps, and

narrowly examines our paths, in judgment, both body and soul

feel his righteous vengeance. This will be the awful case of

unbelievers, yet there is salvation devised, provided, and made

known in Christ.