Job 9:13 Commentary and Bible Study

The word ‘if’ is supplied by the KJV for sense but most other versions render the verse without it and make verse 13 a matter of cause and effect – ‘God will not withdraw his anger, and therefore the proud helpers stoop under him.’ The proud helpers are the helpers of pride, all the causes of pride found among men. They are those on the side of pride who are determined to exalt themselves and so make themselves the enemies of God. He is not ignorant of them, and their pride attracts his anger. They had better beware. ‘How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?’ What is Job’s argument here? What is the connection between Job and these helpers of pride, that Job should expect to fare no better than them? Verse 14 is probably to be taken as his conclusion to all he has said since verse 2. Because God is wise in heart, and no one can answer him once in a thousand, and he does such exalted works in creation, and he humbles all the great ones of the earth, then who is Job that he should be able to contend with God? How can he expect to order his words so as to present his case to God? Job thinks he can now merely appeal and hope. You would not speak to him as if he could be talked to.