Job 34:26

He shows what Job had got so badly wrong. First, in saying, "I am righteous"; and then for saying it was no use serving God. That shows how self-righteousness leads to unbelief and the deepest spiritual wickedness. God is then shown to be just in all His ways. Man may not see it, but there is a need for every act of God and every permission of God. That is true of His dealings with a nation and of His dealings with a single man.

"Therefore He knows their works" — He has no need to investigate them patiently first. He overthrows them, even in the night, when they think they are hidden from view, "and they are crushed." This often happens, but only when God decides it. So He may strike them in their wickedness where others can see, rather than in the dark. The reason is given at once: they turned aside from following Him, and had no regard for any of His ways. This was not true of Job, yet he had spoken in the way the wicked speak.

He takes account of their deeds. He overturns in a night, and they are crushed, as wicked, struck openly before others. He does this for their deliberate slight of Him and His ways, and to vindicate the poor and oppressed who cried to Him. So truly sovereign is He, and also just and merciful: nation or man makes no difference, since He is above both.

Elihu goes on to speak of the searching judgment of God. It is completely impartial: the rich are subject to it just as much as the poor. And there is no gloom or deep darkness where those who work evil may hide themselves. He went on to say that God's judgments are always right, and that He acts as seems good in His sight. He breaks in pieces and overthrows mighty men, yet on the other hand He hears the cry of the afflicted.

Elihu reminds his hearers in a few words of God's actual judgments. He strikes down evildoers who depart from Him; He remembers the cause of the poor and needy. So too, if He acquits and gives quietness, who can condemn? "It is God who justifies; who is to condemn?" And if He hides His face, who can look upon Him? This is true whether He deals this way with one person or with mankind in general. He puts down evil men so that they cannot trap the people.

If Job has unfairly charged God in this way, he has a most important lesson to learn. What is fitting for a man in his position? Should he boldly assert his own righteousness and accuse God? Or should he humbly admit that he was wrong to hold such thoughts, and pray, "Teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more"?