In Job, chapter five, verses seventeen to twenty-seven, to Eliphaz, if God reproves a person and the person responds rightly, then God will deliver that individual from all adversity and trouble. The mistaken idea contradicts the author of Hebrews, who declares that some of the greatest Old Testament heroes of faith were persecuted, tempted, left destitute, afflicted, mistreated, and even put to death. These righteous people never received total deliverance in this life, as in Hebrews eleven, verses thirty-six through thirty-nine. The Bible nowhere teaches that God will eliminate all trouble and suffering from our lives. Godly people do not always receive rescue in this life.
Eliphaz gives Job a word of caution and exhortation: Despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Call it chastening, which comes from the Father’s love and is for the child’s good. Notice it as a messenger from heaven. Eliphaz also encourages Job to submit to his condition. A good man is happy though he is afflicted, for he has not lost his enjoyment of God nor his title to heaven. However, he is happy because he is afflicted. Correction mortifies his corruptions, weans his heart from the world, draws him nearer to God, brings him to his Bible, and brings him to his knees. Although, God wounds, he supports his people under afflictions and delivers them. Making a wound is sometimes part of a cure. Eliphaz give Job precious promises of what God would do for him if he humbled himself. Whatever troubles good men may have, they shall do them no harm. Being kept from sin, they are from the evil of trouble. And if the servants of Christ do not get delivered from outward troubles, they receive delivered by them, and while overcome by one trouble they conquer all. Whatever is maliciously said against them shall not hurt them. They shall have the wisdom and grace to manage their concerns. The greatest blessing, both in our employment and enjoyment, is to be kept from sin. They shall finish their course with joy and honor. That man lives long enough who has done his work and is fit for another world. It is a mercy to die seasonably, as the corn cut and housed when fully ripe; not till then, but then not suffered to stand any longer. Our times are in God’s hands. It is well they are so. Believers are not to expect great wealth, long life, or to be free from trials. But all ordered for the best. And remark from Job’s history that steadiness of mind and heart under trial is one of the highest attainments of faith. There is little exercise for faith when all things go well. But if God raises a storm, permits the enemy to send wave after wave, and seemingly stands aloof from our prayers. Then, hang on and trust God when we cannot trace him. However, this is the patience of the saints. Blessed Saviour! How sweet it is to look unto thee, the Author and Finisher of faith, in such moments!