3 If a man was desiring to go to law with him, he would not be able to give him an answer to one out of a thousand questions. 4 He is wise in heart and great in strength: who ever made his face hard against him, and any good came of it? 5 It is he who takes away the mountains without their knowledge, overturning them in his wrath: 6 Who is moving the earth out of its place, so that its pillars are shaking: 7 Who gives orders to the sun, and it does not give its light; and who keeps the stars from shining. 8 By whose hand the heavens were stretched out, and who is walking on the waves of the sea: 9 Who made the Bear and Orion, and the Pleiades, and the store-houses of the south: 10 Who does great things not to be searched out; yes, wonders without number. 11 See, he goes past me and I see him not: he goes on before, but I have no knowledge of him. 12 If he puts out his hand to take, by whom may it be turned back? who may say to him, What are you doing? 13 God's wrath may not be turned back; the helpers of Rahab were bent down under him.
14 How much less may I give an answer to him, using the right words in argument with him? 15 Even if my cause was good, I would not be able to give an answer; I would make request for grace from him who was against me. 16 If I had sent for him to be present, and he had come, I would have no faith that he would give ear to my voice. 17 For I would be crushed by his storm, my wounds would be increased without cause. 18 He would not let me take my breath, but I would be full of bitter grief. 19 If it is a question of strength, he says, Here I am! and if it is a question of a cause at law, he says, Who will give me a fixed day? 20 Though I was in the right, he would say that I was in the wrong; I have done no evil; but he says that I am a sinner.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 9:3-20
Commentary on Job 9:1-13
(Read Job 9:1-13)
In this answer Job declared that he did not doubt the justice of God, when he denied himself to be a hypocrite; for how should man be just with God? Before him he pleaded guilty of sins more than could be counted; and if God should contend with him in judgment, he could not justify one out of a thousand, of all the thoughts, words, and actions of his life; therefore he deserved worse than all his present sufferings. When Job mentions the wisdom and power of God, he forgets his complaints. We are unfit to judge of God's proceedings, because we know not what he does, or what he designs. God acts with power which no creature can resist. Those who think they have strength enough to help others, will not be able to help themselves against it.
Commentary on Job 9:14-21
(Read Job 9:14-21)
Job is still righteous in his own eyes, 1, and this answer, though it sets forth the power and majesty of God, implies that the question between the afflicted and the Lord of providence, is a question of might, and not of right; and we begin to discover the evil fruits of pride and of a self-righteous spirit. Job begins to manifest a disposition to condemn God, that he may justify himself, for which he is afterwards reproved. Still Job knew so much of himself, that he durst not stand a trial. If we say, We have no sin, we not only deceive ourselves, but we affront God; for we sin in saying so, and give the lie to the Scripture. But Job reflected on God's goodness and justice in saying his affliction was without cause.