21 Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.

Other Translations of Job 36:21

King James Version

21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.

English Standard Version

21 Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction.

The Message

21 Above all, don't make things worse with more evil - that's what's behind your suffering as it is!

New King James Version

21 Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, For you have chosen this rather than affliction.

New Living Translation

21 Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 36:21

Commentary on Job 36:15-23

(Read Job 36:15-23)

Elihu shows that Job caused the continuance of his own trouble. He cautions him not to persist in frowardness. Even good men need to be kept to their duty by the fear of God's wrath; the wisest and best have enough in them to deserve his stroke. Let not Job continue his unjust quarrel with God and his providence. And let us never dare to think favourably of sin, never indulge it, nor allow ourselves in it. Elihu thinks Job needed this caution, he having chosen rather to gratify his pride and humour by contending with God, than to mortify them by submitting, and accepting the punishment. It is absurd for us to think to teach Him who is himself the Fountain of light, truth, knowledge, and instruction. He teaches by the Bible, and that is the best book; teaches by his Son, and he is the best Master. He is just in all proceedings.