An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

Thirdly, When we find darkness in any of the works of God, Let us be sure to forbear to censure or question those works. How vain a thing is it to judg, when we do not understand, or to say that is not done well, which we know not how it is done! Doubtless, We cannot order our speech (about such things) before God, by reason of darkness; and therefore we should tremble to speak rashly or hardly of them. Elihu heightens the point yet further in the next words.

Thirdly, When we find darkness in any of the works of God, Let us be sure to forbear to censure or question those works. How vain a thing is it to judg, when we do not understand, or to say that is not done well, which we know not how it is done! Doubtless, We cannot order our speech (about such things) before God, by reason of darkness; and therefore we should tremble to speak rashly or hardly of them. Elihu heightens the poynt yet further in the next words.

Vers. 20. Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.

I find another rendering of these words, in such a tenor as this; Is there any need that he should be told what I speak? As if Elihu's meaning were, that God, being omniscient and every where present, needeth not any to bring him a report what men say or do; he knows our doings, and hears all our sayings, though none tell him. I hearkened and heard (saith the Lord, Jer. 8.6.) He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? If any man behave himself amiss, or speak amiss, God seeth it, God heareth it. The Omnipotent needs no helper, the Omniscient needs no informer, no intelligence•, to bring him an account o• what is done o spoken: Is there any need (saith Elihu, according to this reading) that he should be told what I speak?