Job 13:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Hear my admonitions and pay attention to the decree of my lips. It is significant that he has rightly emphasized 'admonition' before 'decree.' For unless the arrogance of foolishness is first quelled through correction, the decree of righteousness will remain entirely unclear. It continues:

"Reflect carefully," Job states, "on what I am about to articulate in response to your rebuke, and consider whether my words are intentional. Are you not speaking against the Lord and proclaiming falsehoods about Him? Are you unaware that the Lord is attentive to your speech? How then, in your submission to Him, do you have the audacity to contradict the truth? He also takes note of the expressions of a righteous and innocent person, who denounces deceit wherever he encounters it, even if someone fancies they are speaking on behalf of God. Thus, he perceives all matters with clarity and articulates them with confidence, and in this, God embraces him, for He embodies truth. As our Saviour declares, lying originates from the evil one (Matt. 5:37)."

Job understands the situation just as his companions do, and he is prepared to present his case before God if needed. However, he is perplexed by their unwavering defense of their wrongful beliefs and urges them to pay close attention. It is not without reason that he risks the harshest scrutiny and calls upon the Lord Himself to evaluate him in light of their accusations. Subsequently, Job turns to God in prayer, requesting an explanation for his immense suffering and questioning whether human beings, with their fleeting lives and insignificance, warrant such severe afflictions.