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

Further, should we take the wise in heart, for those that are truly wise, graciously wise, yet it must be acknowledged, that even •hey may so mis-behave themselves, as to miss present respect from God. ⟨p. 646⟩And doubtless, Elihu observing that Job had spoken somewhat highly of himself, and did not carry it humbly enough under the hand of God (though his spirit was broken and brought down at last) checks him here, by telling him, God respecteth not any that are wise in heart, no not him, in that case and frame of spirit, as lifted up in his own wisdom.

Further, should we take the wise in heart, for those that are truly wise, graci•usly wise, yet it must be ackno•ledged, that even •hey may so mis-behave themselves, as to miss present respect from God. ⟨p. 646⟩And doubtless, Elihu observing that Job had spoken somewhat highly of himself, and did not carry it humbly enough under the hand of God (though his spirit was broken and brought down at last) checks him here, by telling him, God respecteth not any that are wise in heart, no not him, in that case and frame of spirit, as lifted up in his own wisdom.

Yea, Taking wise in heart, in this best sense, for the graciously wise, it is not for their wisdom and holiness that God respecteth or favoureth them. As he will not chastise them without cause, nor correct them but for their good; so when he doth them good or raiseth them up, when he showeth them any favour, or giveth them any mercy, he doth it not for their wisdom-sake, or holiness-sake, but for his Sons-sake, or for his own Name-sake. Acts of favour from God, are purely from his free grace, not from any desert in man; so that every way his mercy is from himself, and undeserved by us. He respecteth not any that are wise in heart.