Job 34:31-32 Surely it is meet to be said to God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:… I. A HUMBLE CONFESSION OF GOD'S JUSTICE IN AFFLICTING. "I have borne chastisement," i.e. I have suffered justly; nay, I have been punished less than mine iniquities deserve. The afflictions of believers are chastisements from God. Particular afflictions are not indeed always sent on account of particular sins, but there is enough of sin in the best of men to justify the severest sufferings with which they may be visited in a present world. II. A PRAYER FOR DIVINE TEACHING. "That which I see not, teach Thou me." A prayer necessary for all; but peculiarly seasonable in the time of affliction, since one of the principal ends for which affliction is sent is the discovery of sin, and one of the chief benefits derived from it is the knowledge of ourselves. 1. This prayer may have a reference to the rule and measure of our conduct, the holy law of God. Consider what low, imperfect ideas the generality of mankind entertain of the law of God: and what a poor measure of outward conformity to its precepts appears to satisfy many. 2. This prayer may have reference to the application of this rule to our own characters and conduct, whereby we become acquainted with our own sins in particular. III. A PIOUS RESOLUTION, FOUNDED ON THE FOREGOING CONFESSION AND PRAYER. "If I have done iniquity, I will do no more." This implies a total renunciation of all sin, and a full and fixed purpose of new and better obedience. Wherever the grace of God is known in truth, there is an absolute renunciation of all sin, and an entire surrender of ourselves to the service of God. (D. Black.) Parallel Verses KJV: Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:WEB: "For has any said to God, 'I am guilty, but I will not offend any more. |
    |