Job 9:21-24 Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.… A reaction comes; for the clear testimony of consciousness may be obscured for a time, but cannot be denied. In that clear consciousness, it seems that Job will turn against the injustice (as he thinks) of God, and boldly denounce it. I. A GOOD CONSCIENCE LIFTS THE MIND ABOVE ABJECT FEAR. (We take ver. 21 as a declaration of innocence renewed.) II. IT IMPARTS CONTEMPT OF DEATH. (Ver. 21.) III. IT STIMULATES TO BOLDNESS IN PLEADING ONE'S CAUSE. We must think of Job, according to a leading conception of the book, as within his right in pleading against his (supposed) adversary as in a court. He argues, as again showing that God is merely an absolute Tyrant, that the innocent are punished along with the guilty (ver. 22). There are two examples of this: 1. The scourge, or pest, which quickly sweeps away whole populations, making no discrimination between the good and evil, the hoary sinner and the helpless babe (ver. 23). 2. The dominion of the wicked in the world. Their faces are covered; they do not distinguish between right and wrong. And who else can be the Cause of this but God (ver. 24)? - J. Parallel Verses KJV: Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.WEB: I am blameless. I don't respect myself. I despise my life. |
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