Job 32

Job 32:1

He was resolutely bent to justify himself, let them say what they would

Job 32:2

He insisted too much upon his own vindication. You not without reflecting upon the severity of God. 7, 8. Old men ought to instruct their inferiors in age in the matters of God. But I find that, whenever advantage old age may give for knowledge and experience, it is chiefly men’s own rational soul, and the inspiring Spirit of God, which qualify them to apprehend the mysteries of religion and providence

Job 32:13

Lest you should think you have said all that needs to be said in the cause, and that God’s immediate strokes upon Job are an evidence that he is an hypocrite.—14. Job hath given me no provocation to speak; nor will I use such weak reasoning and give voking language as you have done.—21. Do not expect that I should flatter you in your errors and mistakes out of respect to your age, gravity, or the like; for I am resolved to deal freely, plainly, and impartially, with you

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXII.—In angry disputes there is ordinarily much to reprove on both sides. But when the disputants are warm they are loath to own that they have lost the cause. Yet it is much better to say nothing than to talk error and nonsense. When we have fault to find, it should be done before men, not behind their backs. A gracious heart is jealous for the honour of God, and cannot, unmoved, see him slighted. And it is highly commendable to shew an holy indignation against sin, and warmth in the cause of truth. In disputes it is proper that each should speak in his own order, and that each be animated by a true and discreet zeal for God. And it is extremely agreeable when great sense and courage are directed by great humility and modesty. In matters of doubtful disputation we ought to be diffident of our own judgment, and to be more swift to hear than to speak. Yet, after we have given others a long and patient hearing, it is but reasonable that we should be heard in our turn. And by-standers, who hear without prejudice, often see further into a dispute than those who have their minds blinded by passion. God deals very sovereignly in the disposal of knowledge, or other gifts. Men may have rational souls, and yet know little; but they ought to cultivate this distinguishing privilege. All the wisdom of fallen men in spiritual matters is but darkness, till the Spirit of God enlighten their mind.—And, alas, how often disputes are closed before the question be rightly stated or impartially handled! And hence the issue is so seldom a seeing eye to eye in the truth. They have therefore good right to speak who can set the cause of truth in a more convincing and striking light than had been formerly done. And they who speak for God ought to be earnest in their discourses, inflamed with zeal for his glory, and the good of souls; and to be so impressed with his perfections and laws, as to regard neither the fear nor the favour of man. 64