Job 36:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We have observed that Elihu embodies the essence of the proud, while Job represents the chosen ones. A closer examination reveals that some in the current Church reflect similar arrogance. The faithful contemplate the actions of others, no matter how insignificant, while underestimating their own, regardless of their significance. Conversely, the proud magnify the actions of others, even noble ones, while fixating on their trivialities and justifying their own faults while denigrating the virtues of others. They wish to label any goodness exhibited by others as wrongdoing, transforming remarkable acts into sources of blame. When they perceive the Church's disciplinary actions against wrongdoing, they unjustly complain about the suffering of the innocent, branding the beauty of divine order as injustice. Elihu, speaking as if he had persuaded Job, warns against succumbing to anger that may lead to oppression, for proud individuals view the Holy Church's condemnatory actions as mere emotional responses. In their pursuit of human approval, they aim to present themselves as virtuous, viewing no one as needing serious correction. They misinterpret those who are restrained from sin against their will, including just rulers, as the truly oppressed.

The Lord is responsible for the Holy Church attaining high religious authority globally, yet these individuals malign this rightful authority, attributing it to sinful pride. When Elihu remarks, “And let not the multitude of places bend you,” it appears as though he speaks on behalf of the arrogant within the Church, who prioritize preserving its humility over its well-being. With the respect of faith that surrounds you, be mindful not to be enamored by the power associated with honor. They observe individuals who, under the guise of piety, indulge in the vice of pride, unfairly generalizing this guilt to all. Nonetheless, there exist individuals within the Church who adeptly wield temporal authority while abdicating personal desire, longing ardently for eternal rewards. They fulfill their responsibilities in their intended roles and maintain an inward humility that prevents their service from devolving into pride. Still, should there be those among them who serve not God but their own acclaim while pretending to practice their faith, the Church seeks diligently to correct them, or, if that fails, to endure their presence with patience. In offering correction, she embraces them as her children, or, through patience, she treats them as adversaries. She understands that the proud inflict suffering on the righteous and recognizes that the sins committed by such individuals become an indictment against her. Yet, she is less disquieted by the sins of others, knowing that even her own Head participated in the same wrongful acts, as it is written, “And He was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). It is also declared, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Mark 15:28; Isaiah 53:4). Therefore, let the arrogant persist in their ways, ensnaring the lives of the innocent by their very nature. The Church of the chosen knows how to adjudicate the deeds of some and the declarations of others, guiding the minds of the wicked while enduring their objections. Even if they cannot be reconciled, she bears their disgrace patiently, believing it will yield her a greater reward by renouncing the ephemeral accolades of those from whom she suffers internally.

However, it is crucial to note that the phrase does not state, “Let not the multitude of places exalt you,” but rather, “Let not the multitude of places bend you.” Individuals who elevate themselves in this world fall prey to that very elevation, for outward pride leads to inner downfall. Thus, Elihu, aware of this heart’s fall due to pride, implores, “Let not the multitude of places bend you.” This is a caution to the Holy Church against straying from its inner purpose due to recognition from the world at large.

MORAL INTERPRETATION. Those tasked with correcting the failings of others must first examine themselves closely to ensure that while addressing the faults of others, they do not harbor a desire for punishment themselves. Oftentimes, fierce anger masquerades as justice and can cloud one’s mind; while striving for fairness, one may be overcome with wrath and mistakenly believe they act justly. If anger exceeds the rightful limits of correction, it can easily escalate beyond proportionality. In rectifying the shortcomings of others, we must evaluate our own shortcomings first, allowing our minds to temper their zeal with calm wisdom, lest we ourselves sin in our attempts at correction. Thus, it is accurately stated, “Let not anger overcome you, lest it oppress anyone,” for in attempting to correct while consumed by rage, one risks becoming an oppressor before truly assisting. When inflamed by anger, leaders can enact harsh measures under the guise of just punishment. It often occurs that in those entrusted with responsibility, there exists a lack of genuine love for the Creator. Their desires for worldly matters distract them with countless worries. When they suddenly uncover the faults of those they govern, they fail to judge justly in alignment with God because they cannot quickly regain the perspective of righteousness when caught up in transient distractions. As a result, they find it difficult to seek a balanced approach to penalizing offenses, particularly when in a state of unrest.

Consequently, when Elihu cautions, “Let not anger overcome you, lest it oppress anyone,” he simultaneously emphasizes, “Let not the multitude of places bend you.” We veer off course and pursue various distractions whenever numerous concerns pull us away. Just as our bodies occupy physical space, our thoughts occupy mental space. When a pleasant thought captivates our mind and we momentarily rest within that space, it is easy to drift. Often, fatigue sends us hopping from thought to thought, driven by a weary mind that shifts focus. As thoughts arise, scattering our good intentions, they create vulnerabilities wherein the mind falters. The mind remains steadfast in righteousness when it clings tenaciously to the singular purpose for which it was designed. It remains firm as long as it does not succumb to the constant flux of fleeting thoughts. Yet if the mind focuses on various subjects, it strays from its solid foundation, and although it appears to be expanding its grasp, it effectively disperses from its essential purpose. This pattern of inconsistency has become ingrained in us since the stain of original sin. As the soul endeavors to establish its independence, it unwittingly departs from its true essence. The human spirit, driven by dissatisfaction, recoils from every distraction that captures its attention. Initially, the soul seeks stimulating thoughts but soon grows weary of what it once desired, leading it to believe that its peace lies in something beyond itself. In truth, its fulfillment is found solely in its Creator; it was made to seek Him. Anything below Him can never truly satisfy; thus, the soul wanders through endless pursuits seeking fulfillment but ultimately fails to find the One who could grant it peace. Holy individuals, mindful of their designs, closely monitor themselves to prevent their thoughts from being led astray by temptations of distraction. They aspire to remain eternally steadfast by maintaining their thoughts on divine love. In contemplating their Creator, they yearn for a simultaneous constancy of mind, ensuring their thoughts remain undisturbed. They endeavor to emulate this stability now, hoping to receive the joy of unchangeability as a divine gift in the future. This fixed intention was epitomized by the prophet when he declared, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord” (Psalms 26:4). Paul expressed a similar focus when he stated, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). If any human weaknesses linger in their hearts, they recognize and confront them swiftly, directing their fragmented thoughts with decisive control. Thus, when their minds lean toward distraction, it is aptly stated to Elihu: “Let not the multitude of places turn you aside” (Job 36:18).

It is common for a righteous person’s mind to hold firm within the fortress of resolve, overcoming various distractions and setting aside all unnecessary thoughts that arise; however, it may occasionally become ensnared in the brilliance of its own righteousness, leading to pride. Although one who accomplishes great deeds may possess humility in self-regard, he undoubtedly recognizes the significance of those deeds. If he lacks recognition of their greatness, he tends to undervalue them. Therefore, consistent vigilance is essential to protect our good works; without awareness, pride can infiltrate and lead to a downfall. This extraordinary alignment occurs when the Creator allows temptation to assail the heart, enabling the individual to reflect upon their pride more accurately and descend with renewed understanding from their previous heights.

All natural phenomena reflect God's care for humanity, illustrating a righteous distribution of blessings and afflictions. Rain and thunder demonstrate how His hand can wield punishment or offer mercy. Because humans lack the ability to comprehend the reasons behind such miraculous occurrences, and are even less capable of replicating them, they must surrender their desire to challenge God and submit to His will in humble awe.