2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
2 "Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person benefit him?
2 "Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.
2 "Are any of us strong enough to give God a hand, or smart enough to give him advice?
2 "Can a man be profitable to God, Though he who is wise may be profitable to himself?
2 "Can a person do anything to help God? Can even a wise person be helpful to him?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
3 What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
3 So what if you were righteous - would God Almighty even notice? Even if you gave a perfect performance, do you think he'd applaud?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways blameless?
3 Is it any advantage to the Almighty if you are righteous? Would it be any gain to him if you were perfect?
(Read Job 22:1-4)
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.
12 "Is not God in the heights of heaven? And see how lofty are the highest stars!
12 "Is not God high in the heavens? See the highest stars, how lofty they are!
12 "You agree, don't you, that God is in charge? He runs the universe - just look at the stars!
12 "Is not God in the height of heaven? And see the highest stars, how lofty they are!
12 "God is so great-higher than the heavens, higher than the farthest stars.
(Read Job 22:5-14)
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 22:2
Commentary on Job 22:1-4
(Read Job 22:1-4)
Eliphaz considers that, because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us. Man's piety is no profit to God, no gain. The gains of religion to men are infinitely greater than the losses of it. God is a Sovereign, who gives no account of his conduct; but he is perfectly wise, just, faithful, good, and merciful. He approves the likeness of his own holiness, and delights in the fruits of his Spirit; he accepts the thankful services of the humble believer, while he rejects the proud claim of the self-confident.