(1) В¶ Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, (2) Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? (3) Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect? (4) Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?
Nothing can be more true than this; though, in respect to Job, it is most falsely applied. How can man be profitable to GOD? is a question which never can be sounded too often, nor too loudly, through the chambers of every self-righteous man's heart. Indeed it is astonishing that any man's heart should, amidst all other deceptions, fall under this. The glories of GOD in creation, the glories of GOD in redemption; the salvation of innumerable souls by the wonderful process of grace and love in GOD'S dear Son: all these manifest GOD'S graciousness, and goodness, and abundant mercy: but what profit is brought to my GOD in the salvation of such a sinner as I am? Oh! precious JESUS! give me grace rightly to value thine, and thy Father's everlasting love in lying low in the dust before thee, and being content to be nothing; for indeed, and in truth, I am worse than nothing! ruined, lost and undone, in myself, and so should remain to all eternity, were it not that in thy righteousness I am made righteous, and in thy complete salvation now and forever accepted. Yes! blessed LORD! thou art indeed my all; for thou art made of GOD to me, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, that all my glorying may be in thee, O Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30.