I answer, this form of speaking doth not always import a likeness of conversation and disposition, as sometimes it doth, (Prov. 1.11, 15.) Come with us, and cast in thy lot among us, ⟨p. 541⟩let us all have one purse. My son, walk not thou in the way with them, refrain thy foot from their path; that is, do not hearken to the call of those workers of iniquity. Here in the Text to go in company with the workers of iniquity, and to walk with wicked men, notes only the doing or speaking that which carrieth some likeness to them, not a being altogether like them. A man is said to go and walk with others, when he speaks or doth that which seems to suite and favour their principles, opinions or practices, though in truth they are the abhorrence of his soul. Elihu durst not, could not assert directly and properly that Job, who was a man famous for piety in the days of his prosperity, and who in his affliction had not the least degree of ability or opportunity for it, walked with wicked men: But because in the anguish of his soul he spake sometimes intemperately of the dealings of God (which is the guise, spirit, and common language, in such cases, of wicked and ungodly men) therefore he chargeth him as symbolizing or complying with men of wickedness. So that when Elihu saith, he goeth with wicked men, he doth not accuse him for keeping bad company in his prosperity; but with speaking hardly of God in his adversity, as ungodly men use to do, when they are under his hand. He doth not say, you upon such and such a day kept evil company and conversed with men of wickedness; but you have spoken much like the wicked in the day of your calamity. That this was his scope appears plainly by the proof of this charge, which is also a new charge (vers. 9.) For he hath said, it profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. Elihu doth not say, Job walketh with wicked men, for we have seen him in their company, and he hath been as vain and wicked as they. But his proof that Job walked with the wicked was from his words; For he hath said it profiteth a man nothing, &c. This is the language of the wicked, thus they use to speak about the ways of God; and Job hath spoken thus; therefore, What man is like Job that drinketh scorning like water, which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
I answer, this forme of speaking doth not alwayes import a likenesse of conversation and disposition, as sometimes it doth, (Prov. 1.11, 15.) Come with us, and cast in thy lot among us, ⟨p. 541⟩let us all have one purse. My son, walk not thou in the way with them, refraine thy foot from their path; that is, doe not hearken to the call of those workers of iniquity. Here in the Text to goe in company with the workers of iniquity, and to walke with wicked men, notes only the doing or speaking that which carryeth some likenesse to them, not a being altogether like them. A man is said to goe and walke with others, when he speaks or doth that which seemes to suite and favour their principles, opinions or practices, though in truth they are the abhorrence of his soul. Elihu durst not, could not assert directly and properly that Job, who was a man famous for piety in the dayes of his prosperity, and who in his affliction had not the least degree of ability or opportunity for it, walked with wicked men: But because in the anguish of his soul he spake sometimes intemperately of the dealings of God (which is the guise, spiri•, and common language, in such cases, of wicked and ungodly men) therefore he chargeth him as symbolizing or complying with men of wickednesse. So that when Elihu saith, he goeth with wicked men, he doth not accuse him for keeping bad company in his prosperity; but with speaking hardly of God in his adversity, as ungodly men use to doe, when they are under his hand. He doth not say, you upon such and such a day kept evill company and conversed with men of wickednesse; but you have spoken much like the wicked in the day of your calamity. That this was his scope appeares plainly by the proofe of this charge, which is also a new charge (vers. 9.) For he hath said, it profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. Elihu doth not say, Job walketh with wicked men, for we have seen him in their company, and he hath been as vaine and wicked as they. But his proofe that Job walked with the wicked was from his words; For he hath said it profiteth a man nothing, &c. This is the language of the wicked, thus they use to speak about the wayes of God; and Job hath spoken thus; therefore, What man is like Job that drinketh scorning like water, which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
