Job 5:27

(27) Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

Eliphaz here concludes his sermon, leaves it as all preachers must, to the mind and conscience, to judge its truth!

REFLECTIONS

THE best improvement that we can make under GOD the HOLY GHOST, from this discourse of the man of Timan, is to consider the whole scope of his reasoning, not as it concerns Job only, but all the exercised family of the faithful upon earth. As far as we have already advanced, in the history of this patriarch's sufferings, we trace enough to discover some of the sweet designs of the LORD in his affliction! GOD will manifest that Satan's charge is false. Job's integrity shall be proved. And therefore Job's integrity must be brought to the trial. The enemy charged him with hypocrisy. And Job's friends are endeavoring to prove it, During the sharp exercise the LORD will sustain him.

Reader! remark from what we have already seen in Job's history, that a suitableness of mind and heart under trial, is one of the highest attainments of faith. There is little or no exercise for faith, when all things go well. When the LORD in his providence, neither suffers our desires to be crossed, nor thwarts our wishes; then it is smooth sailing down the stream of life. But if GOD raiseth a storm; permits the enemy to send wave after wave, and when we cry the LORD gives no answer, but seemingly stands aloof from our prayers; then in the prospect of shipwreck, still to hang on and trust GOD, when we cannot trace him; this is the patience of the saints!

But oh! precious JESUS, how sweet is it to eye thee, thou blessed Author and Finisher of faith in such moments. While we look at thee what strength doth it induce! when we lose sight of thee, what poor creatures the best of thy servants are! Oh! LORD! I would say for myself and Reader, give us to believe! help thou our unbelief.