Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
Ver. 23. Who hath enjoined him his way?] q.d. Wilt thou take upon thee to teach this great Teacher how to govern the world? This were a strange kind of arrogance.
Or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?] God's judgments are sometimes secret, but always just. Let not men reprehend what they do not yet comprehend, but content themselves with a learned ignorance, till God shall further discover himself, saying of God's works, as Socrates did of a certain book that he had read, What I understand therein is very good, and so I think is that I understand not. When we come into a craftsman's shop, we may see many tools, the use whereof we know not, and yet we conclude they are of some use. Why then should men rashly censure God's proceedings, which are many times in mediis contrariis, as Luther was wont to say, brought about by contrary means; that he may be the more admired, as Nazianzen giveth the reason, ' Iνα και μαλλον θαυμαζηται (Naz. in Cypr.). The craftsman with a crooked tool makes straight work. The apothecary maketh of a poisonous viper a wholesome antidote; so here. Far be it from us therefore to charge God with iniquity, for this were, with those mad Manichees, to affirm, that till he had created light he dwelt in darkness, as if God were not an eternal light, 1 John 1:5 1 Timothy 6:16, Manichaeorum diabolicus sarcasmus (Paraeus).