Wesley Corpus

Chapter VIII Bildad affirms, that Job had spoken amiss, ver. 1 - 3. That if he would sincerely seek to God, God would help him, ver. 4 - 7. That it is usual with God, to destroy the hypocrite, ver. 8 - 19. The joy of the upright, ver. 20 - 22. Strong wind - Boisterous and violent. Doth God - Heb. The might God, as this word signifies, the Almighty, or All - sufficient God, as the next name of God implies. These names are emphatically used, to prove that God cannot deal unjustly or falsely with men, because he hath no need of it, nor temptation to it, being self - sufficient for his own happiness, and being able by his own invincible power to do whatsoever pleaseth him. Pervert - Judge unrighteously No, this is inconsistent with God's nature, and with his office of governor of the world. If - If thou wast innocent, thy children, upon whom a great part of these calamities fell, might be guilty; and therefore God is not unrighteous in these proceedings. Betimes - Heb. rise early to seek him, if thou wouldest seek him speedily, early and diligently. Habitation - The concerns of thy house and family; which thou hast got and managed with righteousness. Search - Seriously and industriously search the ancient records. We, &c. - But lately born, and therefore have but little knowledge and experience. We live not so long as they did, to make observations on the methods of Divine Providence. Utter - Not partially, but sincerely, speaking their inward thoughts; not rashly, but from deep consideration; not by hearsay, but their own knowledge. Can, &c. - The hypocrite cannot build his hope, without some false, rotten ground or other, any more than the rush can grow without mire, or the flag without water. Greenness - Whereby it promises long continuance. Tho' no man cut it down, it withers of itself, sooner than other herbs. Paths - Of wicked men. By their paths he doth not understand their manner of living, but the events which befall them, God's manner of dealing with them. Hope - Whose wealth and outward glory, the matter of his hope, and trust, shall be cut off suddenly and violently taken away from him.