An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Secondly, We may observe from the other branch, (for the sense is the same) And would not thy uprightness be thy hope? The uprightness of a mans ways in good times, doth mightily strengthen his hope in evil times. When a man can look back, and approve his heart to God, that he hath been upright in peace and plenty, how full of hope will he be in trouble and in wants? It was that which Hezekiah pleaded before God, in the day of his trouble and trial, 2 King. 20. 3. I beseech thee O Lord, remember how I have walked before thee in truth and with an upright and perfect heart. This was it, when he lay upon his sick-bed, and as he thought, upon his death-bed, that put life into him, and bare up his spirit.

Secondly, We may observe from the other branch, (for the sense is the same) And would not thy uprightnesse be thy hope? The uprightnesse of a mans wayes in good times, doth mightily strengthen his hope in evill times. When a man can looke back, and approve his heart to God, that he hath been upright in peace and plenty, how full of hope will he be in trouble and in wants? It was that which Hezekiah pleaded before God, in the day of his trouble and tryall, 2 King. 20. 3. I beseech thee O Lord, remember how I have walked before thee in truth and with an upright and perfect heart. This was it, when he lay upon his sick-bed, and as he thought, upon his death-bed, that put life into him, and bare up his spirit.

A fourth interpretation is taken from our reading: Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, the uprightness of thy ways, and thy hope? So the words contain four distinct affirming Questions, Is not this thy fear? Is not this thy confidence? Is not this the uprightness of thy ways? and is not this thy hope? This is thy fear, &c. As if Eliphaz had said, Job, without doubt thou hast showed all thy goodness at once; or, Is not this all that thou art able to make out and show? Is not this all that thou canst say for, all the testimony thou canst give of, thy religion and holiness? Hast thou not showed all? Surely thy great boast of Religion is nothing but this. Eliphaz seems to call Job to make a further or clearer proof of his grace; Is not this thy fear? or if this be not, show me somewhat else: Thou art a man very famous in the world, much talked of, and highly commended, for fear and for confidence, for uprightness and for hope; what hast thou more to answer that report, and save thy own credit, with the credit of thy friends, who have been so large in their commendations of, and testimonies concerning thee? Note hence;