For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Ver. 18. Whom the Lord commendeth] As he did his servant Job, 2 Corinthians 1:8. And as he did his handmaid Sarah, for calling her husband lord, though there was never a good word besides in the whole sentence, 1 Peter 3:6; cf. Genesis 18:22. Neither was Job so patient, but that he had his outbursts. All which notwithstanding "ye have heard of the patience of Job," &c., James 5:11. He is not challenged at all for his impatience, but crowned and chronicled for his patience. See here the wonderful goodness of God toward his; and take comfort in his white stone, against the black coals of ill-affected persons.
Is approved] δοκιμος, or, will pass for current coin in heaven. When slips are abroad, men will take heed what money they take.