Job 36:21
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Job 36:21
21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Chapter Context
Job 36 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, sacrifice. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 36:21
21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Analysis
Take heed, regard not iniquity (הִשָּׁמֶר אַל־תֵּפֶן אֶל־אָוֶן, hishamer al-tefen el-aven)—Elihu issues an urgent warning using shamar (to guard, keep, take heed). The verb panah (to turn, face, regard) with aven (iniquity, wickedness, trouble) warns against turning toward sin as an escape from suffering. This represents the core temptation in trials: when righteous living brings pain while wickedness seems easier, will we compromise?
For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction (כִּי־עַל־זֶה בָּחַרְתָּ מֵעֹנִי, ki-al-zeh bacharta me'oni)—The verb bachar (to choose, select, prefer) emphasizes deliberate decision. Elihu accuses Job of choosing complaint and questioning God (aven) over patiently enduring oni (affliction, humiliation). While this accusation misreads Job's motives, it contains a crucial principle: suffering tests whether we'll maintain integrity or choose sin as a perceived escape. Moses chose 'to suffer affliction with the people of God' rather than enjoy sin's pleasures (Hebrews 11:25). Peter commands: 'Let none of you suffer as a murderer... but if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed' (1 Peter 4:15-16).
Historical Context
In wisdom literature, the choice between righteousness and wickedness is constantly presented as a fork in the road (Psalm 1, Proverbs 4:14-19). Elihu frames Job's situation as this classic choice: will he maintain integrity under affliction or turn to 'iniquity' (complaining against God) as relief? Though Elihu misapplies this to Job, the principle remains valid.
Reflection
- What shortcuts to relief from suffering tempt you to compromise your integrity?
- How does patient endurance of unjust suffering honor God more than demanding immediate vindication?
- In what ways might our complaints against God's justice become the very sin we're falsely accused of?
Word Studies
- Elect: בָּחַר (Bachar) H977 - To choose, select, elect
Cross-References
- Sin: Job 35:3, Psalms 66:18, Ezekiel 14:4, Hebrews 11:25
- Parallel theme: Daniel 6:10, Matthew 13:21, 16:24, 1 Peter 3:17