Job 4:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, it is wisely noted that He 'discerns,' demonstrating His wisdom, in order that the elevated nature of beings should not lead to pride, but rather that they remain entirely submissive to God. Furthermore, if He 'perceives faults' among them, it signifies that He chastised those who abandoned their rightful place.

Let us not consider it inappropriate or irreverent to suggest that the ailment of envy may have infiltrated the apostles. We are reminded that a similar notion is expressed concerning the angels: ‘the stars were unclean before Him, and in His angels He saw something wrong’ (Job 4:18, 15:15). The Psalms affirm that ‘Every living thing shall not be justified before thee’ (Ps. 142:2). It does not specify, 'every man shall not be justified,' but rather every living being, which includes neither evangelists, nor apostles, nor prophets.

Indeed, it is not easy for humanity to be completely free from guilt. Achieving such a state of innocence is beyond our human capabilities. Even the celestial beings are not exempt from this frailty. As Eliphaz asserts, "He does not trust in His servants either." Clearly, the Almighty does not place His confidence in the righteous, particularly those who rely solely on their own strength, for He perceives the limitations of their nature and the frailty of their flesh. The fallen angels have given Him cause for skepticism, as their flaws have become evident. He has cast them down from their previous exalted state and diminished their rank because of their rebellion against Him. If this is true for the angels, who, despite their own inherent weaknesses, dwell among the mighty, what can we conclude about the standing of humanity, particularly those who are even more prone to fall into sin?

Job's lamentations regarding his circumstances provoke dissent from his companions, sparking an extensive discourse concerning the rationale behind his afflictions. Eliphaz is the initial challenger. After requesting the opportunity to speak, he expresses his astonishment that a man who has frequently provided solace to the suffering could now articulate such intense grievances, especially since his awareness of his own righteousness should assure him of a favorable outcome. He draws upon personal experience to assert that innocence invariably shields a person from ruin, whereas force and cruelty cannot defend one against the Lord's anger. This leads him to the conviction that had Job been genuinely virtuous, he would not be enduring such calamities.