2 Corinthians 10:18; Whom the Lord Commendeth

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2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Matthew Henry observed well, “Of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst, and self-applause is seldom any better than self-flattery and self-deceit. At the best, self-commendation is no praise, and it is oftentimes as foolish and vain as it is proud; therefore, instead of praising or commending ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God, and his approbation will be our best commendation.”

The Apostle Paul had to rest in his Lord for comfort before an unruly band. He sought consolation in God’s approval. He was able to articulate the fact that souls were saved through his preaching of the gospel. The church in Corinth was one such example. It demonstrated the power of God to save souls when he obeyed the gospel call to preach His Word and the church was established (Acts 18).

Job was a man approved of God. He was a man whom the Lord commendeth. Like the Apostle Paul, it was purported by Job’s friend Bildad that Job is a hypocrite, therefore his hope shall perish. He has not been a sincere follower of God. As such, he shall face God’s wrath upon him.

This may be how Bildad sounded, “Job, you are finished. There is no hope for a deserter of God. You have not walked in the counsel of the godly, you have not refrain yourself from sin in your life, you have mocked God by your pretense.”

Proverbs 11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

The real hypocrite was Bildad who sought destroy Job’s hope, confidence and faith in God. We are given here a glimpse of his destructive words.

Job knew his God although he does not have full knowledge of his predicament, he was not presumptuous to charge or blame God. He could not understand his predicament. It was a secret to him, hidden from him. We know in hindsight the conversation at the throne room of God between God and Satan.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)