But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.
Job 36:17 belongs to the speech of Elihu directed to Job in his affliction. The broad rule contained in such sayings stands true, that wrongdoing is at last punished and rightdoing at last rewarded. Yet that rule was not necessarily true as applied to Job, for suffering in itself does not prove that the sufferer is wicked or resting under divine displeasure. Affliction by itself therefore gives no cause for discouragement, because God chastens those whom He loves. Suffering endured for God's sake may advance His glory and may work for the good of the one who suffers.
Job 36:17 belongs to the speech of Elihu directed to Job in his affliction. The broad rule contained in such sayings stands true, that wrongdoing is at last punished and rightdoing at last rewarded. Yet that rule was not necessarily true as applied to Job, for suffering in itself does not prove that the sufferer is wicked or resting under divine displeasure. Affliction by itself therefore gives no cause for discouragement, because God chastens those whom He loves. Suffering endured for God's sake may advance His glory and may work for the good of the one who suffers.