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Good men who have excelled in a particular virtue have sometimes lamentably failed in its exercise — e.g., Moses, Peter, Job. The text refers to a season of heavy affliction. The spirit of Job was oppressed; his mind was harassed; it was full of confusion; and we wonder not that his language betrays the perplexity which he felt.

I. A GOOD MAN HAS CONVERSE WITH GOD. In all circumstances, whether of ease or pain, of health or sickness, he thinks of his God, and highly estimates communion with Him. In affliction we speak to ourselves; we speak to our friends; but our best employment is converse with God. In our approaches to Him, He permits us to utter whatever interests our minds, to express the inmost feelings of our hearts.

II. A GOOD MAN DEPRECATES AN EVIL. "Do not condemn me." Job refers probably to the sentiment of his friends. They mistook his character. Job says to God, "Do not Thou condemn me." No doubt Job had low views of himself in the sight of God. This applies to ourselves. Do we merit condemnation from God? What shall we plead in arrest of judgment? Nothing less than the mediation of Christ.

III. A GOOD MAN SOLICITS A FAVOUR. "Shew me wherefore Thou contendest with me." "Afflictest" is a better word here than "contendest." It is a warrantable request, a prayer full of propriety. Affliction is from God, and He has some design in it, which it is important for us to ascertain. Affliction is sent to convince of sin; to prevent sin; as a test of principles; to promote holiness; to advance our usefulness. What then do you know of converse with God, and how is the privilege improved?

(T. Kidd.)

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KJV: I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

WEB: I will tell God, 'Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me.