(1) В¶ Then Job answered the LORD, and said, (2) I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. (3) Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. (4) Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. (5) I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. (6) Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
We have here Job's dutiful submission, and the very humble acknowledgment of himself before GOD. Nothing can display more fully the state of a true penitent before the LORD. In the expressions Job makes use of, the very inside of his heart seems to be turned out to view. Self loathing, and self-abhorring, are among the highest tokens of the real contrition which passed within. But what I beg the Reader particularly to observe with me is, the striking difference Job makes between human and divine teaching. All that men can say, all the preaching in the world, without GOD the SPIRIT condescends to instruct; will end just where it began, in the hearing of the ear. But if GOD takes up the cause, then, and not before, the LORD carries conviction to the heart. Reader, do you know the vast difference? Hath GOD the SPIRIT been your teacher? Hath it induced these blessed effects, like Job? Are you brought down in the deepest humiliation of soul, and is JESUS exalted to your view, and all human greatness come to nothing? Isaiah 2:17.