THEOSISGregory the Great
Verse 21. You do not lessen iniquity, for you have begun to pursue it after your suffering (Job 36:21). Arrogant individuals rightfully label it as the Church's tribulation, harboring the belief that her principal vessel is scorned by God, and they take greater pride in their disdain the more they suspect it is openly disregarded by Him. After briefly interpreting these words figuratively, we must then ascertain their ethical significance. By examining the image of the Church—which we hold to be depicted in its entirety—we can derive insights applicable to each individual circumstance from these statements. Verse 21. Take heed, you do not lessen iniquity, for you have begun to pursue it after your trials (Job 36:21).
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He pursues iniquity after his trials—He who, after enduring all adversities meant for his correction, ignites his heart with flames of impatience. This reflects what Elihu believed and what the blessed Job expressed when faced with Elihu's bold proclamations amidst his sufferings, not realizing that everything Job declared was spoken not out of impatience but by the force of truth, which remained consistent even in justification with the pronouncements of the inner Judge. We must reflect carefully because in stating, “You do not lessen iniquity,” he immediately added regarding this very iniquity: “for you have begun to pursue it after the tribulation.”
Then we must ask: what does this mean when he forbids him from abandoning it while also accusing him of it, as if he had already cast it aside? Is it not true that the arrogant prefer to be judges rather than sources of comfort? Why do they confront with harsh judgments those faults they suspect have taken root in the heart? They issue stern verbal condemnations before the guilt of the accused is ever established and strike down a man with their verdicts before any proof of his wrongdoing appears. Although even the righteous often contend with evil and concealed thoughts through admonishment, when prior actions reveal these thoughts, they may remove from the hearts of their audience those very sins that they themselves do not display. Yet they recognize that they are themselves shaped by those who came before them. Just as physical healers identify certain illnesses that have already manifested but treat others to prevent their emergence, spiritual leaders may sometimes mend wounds they have uncovered and at other times assist the minds of individuals who show no outward injury. The individuals we must examine typically harshly condemn known sins; thus, they also address uncertain thoughts with a degree of calmness. They strike with force on matters ascertained, while they approach uncertain issues with caution. However, since the arrogant lack this discernment, they inflict damage indiscriminately upon both evident and obscure vices alike. Hence, Elihu declared: “Take heed, you do not lessen iniquity, for you have begun to pursue it after misfortunes.” Yet as the ensuing remarks imply further charges, we conclude this text to avoid excessive elaboration.