Job 34:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Let us seek to discern what is just, engaging in reason before passing judgment upon anyone." Job boldly asserted his innocence. Although Job did not directly claim righteousness, in articulating the merits of his moral standing, he demonstrated beyond question that he was indeed upright, as the Lord had previously acknowledged. Yet, he lamented that God had taken away his ability to judge. Should I compromise my integrity? My affliction is beyond healing without transgression. It is essential to understand that Job's declarations were largely made in haste, lacking a true grasp of divine righteousness. Thus, the Lord appropriately rebukes him, stating that the one who contends with God must respond to Him. These divine words serve as a correction to Job.

Elius, confident that Job cannot refute the truth of his statements, takes it upon himself to scrutinize Job’s claim that the Lord punishes him without fairness. He points out that such a view of God contradicts our understanding of Him as the sovereign Sustainer of the universe. If the Lord were to show favoritism or act unjustly, there would be chaos in the world, and He would not prevent wrongdoing from those who forsake righteousness. God’s all-knowing nature and strength, along with His compassion for those wronged, ensure that He is indeed just. Consequently, humanity must yield to the divine will. Elius suggests that Job reflect on his perspective in order to gain correction.