When I looked for good, then evil came [unto me]: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
Ver. 26. When I looked for good] According to that general rule, and the common course of God's proceedings, "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again," Matthew 7:2. "With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful," Psalms 18:25. Middah cenegedh middah, say the Hebrews, Men shall have measure for measure, like for like. Hence Job expected to have all things at will, but it happened somewhat otherwise; and this puzzled him, he could not understand these cross occurrences. He could almost find in his heart to think that he was therefore so little pitied by others, because he had been so full of pity toward others.
When I waited for light, then came darkness] Things grew every day worse and worse with me, mending like sour ale in summer, as we say. Thus it fares many times with God's best servants, these children of light walk in darkness, nevertheless let them trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon their God, in the fail of all outward comforts, Isa 50:10 Habakkuk 3:17,18. This is the triumph of faith, which tells the soul that things must go backward before they can come forward, and when matters are at worst they will mend.