An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…

But here it may be questioned, was it indeed so with Job, or was Job such a man as he is expressly charged to be both in this and the former verse? Did Elihu judge him a scorner, a companion of the workers of iniquity, and a walker with men of wickedness? Doubtless that's not Elihu's scope or intention; nor could he imagine that Job, in strict sense, was either a scorner of good men, or chose the company of wicked men. And surely all that knew Job could certify (upon their knowledge) that he was a man of a gracious spirit and unblemished life; that he loved good men and sweetly conversed with them, and therefore was far from closing with deboyst companions, or men of a profligate spirit. Why then doth Elihu speak thus? or spake he the words of truth and sobriety while he spake thus?

But here it may be questioned, was it indeed so with Job, or was Job such a man as he is expresly charged to be both in this and the former verse? Did Elihu judge him a scorner, a companion of the workers of iniquity, and a walker with men of wickednesse? Doubtlesse that's not Elihu's scope or intention; nor could he imagine that Job, in strict sence, was either a scorner of good men, or chose the company of wicked men. And surely all that knew Job could certifie (upon their knowledge) that he was a man of a gracious spirit and unblemisht life; that he loved good men and sweetly conversed with them, and therefore was farre from closing with deboyst companions, or men of a profligate spirit. Why then doth Elihu speak thus? or spake he the words of truth and sobriety while he spake thus?

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.