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

Thirdly, Because he had not more considered his sin, or had not been so much in considering the greatness of his sin, as he had been in setting forth the greatness of his integrity. For though it were true which Job spake, that his way was upright, and though God had given testimony to his uprightness and integrity in all his ways, yet he should not have insisted so much upon that point, which had so much affinity with self-boasting, though he intended it only for self clearing, or for the righting of himself. It had been ⟨p. 134⟩more becoming him to have been aggravating his sin, than setting forth his righteousness; this was the point that Elihu struck at, that he had justified himself too much, and judged himself too little. Yea Job was convinced of this at last, Once have I spoken, but I will speak no more, that is, of my own integrity, or righteousness.

Thirdly, Because he had not more considered his sin, or had not been so much in considering the greatness of his sin, as he had been in setting forth the greatness of his integrity. For though it were true which Job spake, that his way was upright, and though God had given testimony to his uprightness and integrity in all his wayes, yet he should not have insisted so much upon that poynt, which had so much affinity with self-boasting, though he intended it only for self clearing, or for the righting of himself. It had been ⟨p. 134⟩more becoming him to have been aggravating his sin, than setting forth his righteousness; this was the poynt that Elihu struck at, that he had justified himself too much, and judged himself too little. Yea Job was convinced of this at last, Once have I spoken, but I will speak no more, that is, of my own integrity, or righteousness.

Fourthly, He may be said to have multiplied words without knowledge, because he had spoken so much in the aggravation of his afflictions: 'Tis true, his afflictions were very great; yet Elihu censures him deservedly, because he took too much notice of them, complaining often and often, how heavy the hand of God was upon him, yea that God was an enemy to him; whereas he should rather have looked upon the visitation of God, as light and easy,