Job 36:21

Context

This verse is part of Elihu's extended discourse to Job, found in chapters 32-37 of the Book of Job. Elihu, the youngest of Job's counselors, offers a different perspective from the three friends who largely insisted Job's suffering was direct punishment for specific sins. Elihu often defends God's justice and sovereignty, suggesting that affliction can serve a disciplinary or refining purpose, leading to instruction and spiritual growth. In Job 36:15, Elihu states that God delivers the afflicted by their affliction. Here, in verse 21, Elihu directly warns Job, implying that Job's complaints or self-justification might be leading him to prefer a path of "iniquity" (wickedness) rather than humbly enduring or learning from his "affliction."

Key Themes

• The Danger of Iniquity in Suffering: Elihu admonishes Job to be vigilant against sin, suggesting that the intense pressure of affliction can tempt one to abandon righteousness or adopt a sinful attitude (e.g., bitterness, accusing God, or self-righteousness). It highlights the spiritual battle fought during times of trial.
• Choosing Righteousness Over Escaping Pain: The phrase "this hast thou chosen rather than affliction" is a pointed warning. Elihu implies Job might be inclining towards a sinful perspective or action as a perceived alternative to patiently enduring his suffering. It underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and trust in God, even when facing immense hardship.
• God's Just Character: Underlying Elihu's speech is the conviction that God is just and that His actions, even in allowing suffering, are purposeful. Elihu challenges Job's tendency to question God's fairness, urging him instead to examine his own heart and responses to his trials.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Take heed, regard not iniquity" uses strong Hebrew terms. "Take heed" comes from the verb shamar (שָׁמַר), meaning "to guard," "watch," or "be careful," emphasizing a conscious effort to protect oneself from something. "Regard not" is from panah (פָּנָה), which means "to turn towards" or "incline," so the negative implies not to turn towards or prefer something. "Iniquity" is 'awen (אָוֶן), which can refer to wickedness, mischief, or trouble, often implying moral evil or perversity. This is contrasted with "affliction," oni (עֹנִי), which denotes misery, suffering, or oppression. Elihu's stark contrast points to the critical choice one faces when confronted with hardship: to succumb to evil or to endure affliction righteously.

Practical Application

Job 36:21 serves as a timeless warning for all believers. When we face trials, pain, or injustice, there is a strong temptation to respond in ways that are displeasing to God – through bitterness, anger, self-pity that leads to unrighteousness, or questioning God's goodness. This verse reminds us:

• Our Response Matters: How we react to suffering is just as crucial as the suffering itself. We are called to guard our hearts against sin, even when it seems like a justifiable reaction to pain.
• Holiness Over Comfort: God's ultimate desire for us is often our holiness and spiritual growth, not merely our immediate comfort or escape from hardship. We must choose righteousness over perceived shortcuts or sinful relief from our burdens.
• Trust in God's Purpose: Even when we don't understand the reasons for our trials, we are called to trust in God's sovereign wisdom and justice, as Elihu consistently emphasized. This echoes the sentiment found in James 1:12 regarding the blessing of enduring temptation.