Job 36:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Even when proud figures offer sound counsel, they wield a negative influence. As previously mentioned, they often seek to admonish rather than to uplift. Thus, it continues: Verse 20. You shall not prolong the night, for people will go to them, as stated in Job 36:20. The night persists when the anguish brought about by trials does not cease alongside the challenges that arise. The suffering of the mind is extended by misguided thoughts during these temptations. The troubled mind, in its distress, may feel detached from the steadfastness of its supporters, overshadowed by additional sorrows, which act as a veil of darkness. Reason's eyes close to any glimmer of hope, trembling in anxiety, fearing the total loss of past securities. Therefore, it is aptly expressed that in this night people seek out the strong; as, in the midst of this trial, the heart is filled with unworthy thoughts rather than noble sentiments. When indignation grips the mind, it perceives the imminent loss of its prior state, generating within itself tumultuous waves of moral failure. One may lament the tranquility lost, while fearing a descent into maleficence. Occasionally, one reflects on the heights previously attained, contrasting them with the depths of vice to which one may sink due to indulgence. One may resolve to regain strength, yet in moments of failure, despair may ensue, leading to a feeling of defeat and helplessness. When such myriad thoughts arise in a troubled psyche, it is as if people rise within, attempting to stifle them through the night. The prophet indeed proclaimed that they can be vanquished, but only through Divine assistance, stating, "My Advocate, and on Him will I hope, subduing men," as found in Psalms 143:2. Individuals yield to divine wisdom when errant thoughts flee in the presence of resolute truth, allowing them to grasp understanding earnestly from their hearts. Consequently, a mind accustomed to abundance, when faced with temptation, swings between hope and despair. Thus, it is rightly said, "Do not prolong the nights, for men must go to them." This implies that one should dispel the darkness of sorrow promptly during trials, ensuring that one who perceives themselves highly in peaceful times also conquers their struggles in the shadows of their thoughts. Eliouus would have articulated this aptly, had he understood to whom he spoke. These admonishments are particularly inappropriate for the blessed Job, as he intimately knows their deeper meanings. However, because, as we have noted before, the proud often stoop to utter contemptuous remarks while presuming to instruct those unqualified for their guidance, it follows:

All aspects of creation serve as evidence of God's care for humanity, revealing the righteous distribution of His blessings and trials. The forces of nature, such as rain and lightning, as well as thunder and storms, are in His control, serving either as instruments of punishment or tools of mercy. Since humanity cannot fathom the reasons behind such wondrous occurrences, nor can they replicate them, it is fitting to relinquish any desire to challenge God and instead approach Him with humble reverence.