(20) В¶ Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; (21) Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; (22) Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave? (23) Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? (24) For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. (25) For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. (26) I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.
These questions and conclusions, if dictated by the Spirit of grace, would have gone much further to have softened the sorrows of the man of Uz; in looking to the Lord, than all the vehement expressions we read before. But alas! a mind under the impulse of temptation makes sad work of it, and, like Jonah, if the gentle and tender expostulation of God puts the enquiry, Dost thou well to be angry? For the moment, will boldly and impudently say, as he did, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Jonah 4:9. But did Jonah think so when the boiling anger of the moment was over, Jonah 2:1 ? Did Job think so when he prayed, Job 42:5-6 ?