Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction. Be carefulThe phrase "Be careful" is a call to vigilance and mindfulness. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, keep, or watch over. This implies an active, intentional effort to remain on the right path. In the context of Job, this is a reminder that even in suffering, one must be diligent in maintaining righteousness and not be swayed by the temptation to sin. Historically, this reflects the wisdom tradition in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature often emphasized the importance of vigilance in one's spiritual and moral life. not to turn to iniquity for this you have preferred to affliction Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. His account is one of immense suffering and faith. 2. Elihu A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a perspective that emphasizes God's justice and sovereignty. 3. Uz The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. 4. God The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing and ultimately restores him. 5. Satan The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, initiating his trials. Teaching Points Avoiding Sin in SufferingElihu warns Job not to choose sin over enduring affliction. In times of suffering, we must be vigilant not to let our pain lead us into sinful actions or attitudes. Understanding Divine Discipline Affliction can be a tool used by God to refine and teach us. Recognizing this helps us to endure hardships with a perspective of growth rather than rebellion. Preference for Righteousness Our natural inclination might be to escape pain at any cost, but Elihu reminds us to prefer righteousness over comfort. This requires a heart aligned with God's will. The Danger of Bitterness Turning to iniquity often stems from bitterness or resentment towards God. Guarding our hearts against these feelings is crucial in maintaining faithfulness. Trusting God's Sovereignty Even when we do not understand our suffering, trusting in God's sovereign plan is essential. This trust prevents us from seeking sinful solutions to our problems. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elihu's warning in Job 36:21 challenge your current response to personal suffering?2. In what ways can understanding God's discipline as an act of love change your perspective on trials? 3. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to choose sin over enduring hardship. What did you learn from that experience? 4. How can you cultivate a heart that prefers righteousness over comfort in your daily life? 5. What practical steps can you take to guard against bitterness and resentment during times of affliction, based on the teachings of Job 36:21 and related scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 3:11-12This passage speaks about not despising the Lord's discipline, which connects to Elihu's warning against turning to iniquity instead of accepting God's correction. Hebrews 12:5-11 Discusses the discipline of the Lord as a sign of His love, paralleling Elihu's message that affliction can be a form of divine instruction. James 1:2-4 Encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth, aligning with the idea that affliction should not lead us to sin but to spiritual maturity.
People Elihu, JobPlaces UzTopics Affliction, Care, Careful, Chosen, Evil, Fixed, Hast, Heed, Iniquity, Prefer, Preferred, Rather, Regard, Seem, Sin, Sorrow, Turn, TurningDictionary of Bible Themes Job 36:18 5238 bribery Library Whether by his Passion Christ Merited to be Exalted?Objection 1: It seems that Christ did not merit to be exalted on account of His Passion. For eminence of rank belongs to God alone, just as knowledge of truth, according to Ps. 112:4: "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." But Christ as man had the knowledge of all truth, not on account of any preceding merit, but from the very union of God and man, according to Jn. 1:14: "We saw His glory . . . as it were of the only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth." … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Acquired his Judiciary Power by his Merits? Whether Christ Will Judge under the Form of his Humanity? Whether the Old Law was from God? Whether Man Can Know that He Has Grace? Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty? Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation? The Great Teacher "That which was from the Beginning," Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin? Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen? Divine Grace. Messiah's Easy Yoke Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. The Greatness of the Soul, Job Links Job 36:21 NIVJob 36:21 NLT Job 36:21 ESV Job 36:21 NASB Job 36:21 KJV Job 36:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |