(2) As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; (3) All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; (4) My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. (5) God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. (6) My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live. (7) В¶ Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.
The opening of this sequel to Job's parable, carries with it the nature of an oath. It is a solemn asseveration of the truth. What Job means by GOD'S taking away his judgment, if I apprehend right, intimates, that he himself (in consequence of his sharp exercises, and his ignorance at the same time of GOD'S design), is prevented from forming a clear judgment, wherefore his soul is sore vexed. But, saith Job, let my GOD deal with me as seemeth him good; my faithfulness and integrity to him shall abide by me. Sweet and gracious determination, when a believing soul can and doth say, I know not how my GOD is leading me; but I know, that all his leadings are what they should be. Reader! see to it in your own experience, that path must be right which is marked out by infinite wisdom. And when our will is truly brought down to the LORD'S will, then the soul cannot but approve, however unable to explain, all that the LORD is doing.