The Pulpit Commentary — Job — Section 148

Bildad refers his suffering friend, to find there evidences of the security of the perrect man and the worthlessness of the expectation of the hypocrite. With bcn.utiful fiau- rativeness he illustmtes these truths, and only errs in the covert implication that° in hypocrisy is to be found the cause of Job's present sufferings. The hypocrite's hope vain and deceitful, I. IT IB TEMPORARY. Passing away as the "rush without mire, or the reed without water," Quickly it grows up, but as quickly withers. The promise of it is vain. "While it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb." II. IT IB UNBUDBTANTIAL AND UNTRUSTWORTHY. As "the spider's web." H is weak, unworthy of any confidence. As the go3sa111er thread i8 broken by a toncb or even a breath of wind, so his expectation is cut off by the most trivial incident. It has no firmness, no endurance, no permanence. I'll. IT IB IMMATURE AND NEVER COMES TO PERFECTION. "It is green before the sun." With rapid haste it strides forth, but only with equal haste to fail. In its own judgment it is firm and enduring as a stone structure. With proud self-confidence so he prides himself. But it is that all may fall to ruin. The deslroyer is at haDll, even he who casts away. IV. IT IS FOB<JOTTEN AND DISAPPOINTING, AND P,\SSES OUT OF MIND. Its very pl:J.ce denies it. "I have not seen thee." No greater joy or reward can the hypocrite's hope afford him. Disappointment is his lot. He sows the seeds of vanity; vanity he reaps. He leans upon a thread which a breath may break. Deceitful himself, his hopes are as the heart which gave them birth. They return to their own. He createtl them; they are as their maker. From this rude disappointment men may guard (1) by sincerity of spirit, (2) by basing their hopes upon a true foundation, for which nothing prepares them but (3) a thorough honesty and cherished truthfulness.-R. G. Vers. 20-22.-God's care of the perfect man. To the Ilook of Job may all sufferers turn for consolation; for though Job is both covertly an<l openly reproached by his friends, yet through their words there shine many clear statements of truth, and many just reflections on the wisdom, the goodness, and the wise government of God. The Divine care of the upright is very strikingly affirmed. God's care of the perfect man is- I. TENDER. God does not "cast away" nor despise him, but gently leads him by the hand, as he will not the evil-doers, helping him as none other can help. To that care we have learnt that we may commit ourselves, forasmuch as he careth for us. The Divine, pitiful, compassionate aid is given to meet the need of the frail man. Not therefore, rudely, or with rough and harsh, but with tender, treatment docs God help the perfect man. The Divine care for the upright is- II. CoNTmuous. He is faithful to them who put their tru8t in him. He disappoints the hope of the ungodly, but not that of the righteous. As the hypocrite trusted to 11 spider's web which had no strength, and to the unwatered flag which withered, so the perfect man finds in God a Rock of refuge, steadfast and unchangeable. He ever abides. The immutability of the Divine Name is one of the truest sources of consolation to the weary, the troubled, and sad at heart. III. The Divine care for the perfect man is further A TRUE CAUSE OF JOY AND GL.iD- NESB, He fills the" mouth with laughing" and the "lips with rejoicing." God gives songs in the dark uight of affliction, and brings the true consolation to the sufferer, causing him to shout aloud for very joy. He is a Hiding-place and a Refuge. He is a Spring of water and II Shadow from the heat of the day. He inspires strength to the soul, as with bread he nourishes the body; and comfort to the spirit, as with wine he revives the drooping. IV. The Divine care for the perfect man, in its retributive judgments, c.c1.sTs SH.!.'llE UPON BIB ENEMIES. Vindicating the character of his faithful one against the aspersion of his wicked foes, he causes "the dwelling-place" of that wicked one to "come to nought," and the wicked one himself to " be clothed with shame." Thus the Divine care is tender towards his befriended on&--the poor, frail, but faithful sou of man- crowning him with honour and glory, making his crown to tlourish, while clothing his enemies with shame and confusion of face.-R. G.  150 THE noox or Jon.