Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary
Job 35:3

Clarke's Commentary

Verse Job 35:3. What advantage will it be unto thee? — As if he had said to God, "My righteousness cannot profit thee, nor do I find that it is of any benefit to myself." Or perhaps Elihu makes here a general assertion, which he afterwards endeavours to exemplify: Thou hast been reasoning how it may profit thee, and thou hast said, "What profit shall I have in righteousness more than in sin?"

Bridgeway Bible Commentary

The justice of God (34:1-35:16)

When Job does not reply to Elihu’s challenge, Elihu turns to the onlookers and repeats some of Job’s rash statements about the injustice of God (34:1-6). Let them judge for themselves. Surely such words prove Job’s wickedness (7-9).
God is not unjust, says Elihu, and no one can tell him what to do. He is the governor of the universe (10-13). He is the source of all life and, if he wished, he could bring all life to an end (14-15). God governs perfectly and shows no special favour to the rich and powerful (16-20). Unlike earthly judges, God does not have certain set times to hear evidence, nor does he carry out investigations. He sees and knows everything, and punishes the guilty according to his perfect knowledge (21-28). No one can compel God to explain why he acts or why he keeps quiet. Whether the issues concern individuals or nations, people must simply accept God’s justice (29-30).
Elihu asks Job to think about this question: if a person acknowledges his wrongdoing and promises to repent, but then demands that God reward him with favour, is that really repentance (31-33)? Not only is Job unrepentant, but he adds to his former sins by his rebellious words against God. Elihu concludes that Job deserves no relief from his sufferings (34-37).
Believing that Job has said the godly are no better off than sinners, Elihu sets out to give his reply (35:1-4). He argues that since God is infinitely higher than his human creatures, people’s sin cannot harm him nor their goodness benefit him. Therefore, Job’s suffering cannot be because of any unnatural action on God’s part. It must be solely because of Job’s wickedness (5-8).
Many cry to God for help when they are in trouble, but other times they ignore him, in spite of all he does for them. Consequently, God does not answer their prayers (9-13). How much less will he answer the prayers of Job, who rudely complains that God refuses to meet him and show his approval of him. Actually, says Elihu, God has been very patient with Job. He should have punished him even more severely because of his irreverent speech, but Job has only responded with yet more empty talk (14-16).

Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible

MORE OF THE SAME FROM ELIHU:
ELIHU’S REPLY TO JOB’S ALLEGED CONTENTION
THAT THERE IS THERE NO ADVANTAGE IN RIGHTEOUS CONDUCT

“Moreover Elihu answered and said, Thinkest thou this to be thy right, Or sayest thou, My righteousness is more than God’s, That thou sayest, What advantage will it be unto thee? And what profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned? I will answer thee, And thy companions with thee. Look unto the heavens, and see; And behold thy skies which are higher than thou. If thou hast sinned, what effectest thou against him? And if thy transgressions be multiplied, what dost thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou unto him? Or what receivest thee of thy hand? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art, Or thy righteousness may profit a son of man.”

Back in Job 34:9, Elihu had mentioned a third accusation against Job, namely, that he had declared faithfulness to God as affording no profit; and here Elihu proposes to answer that alleged claim of Job. Elihu here ignored altogether the real point of whether or not there is profit in serving God in this life, focusing his attack against Job on whether or not Job had any right to complain.

This whole paragraph affirms the proposition that neither man’s righteousness nor his wickedness affects God. “Transgressions do not diminish God, nor do pious acts give him anything.”Layman’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 8, p. 136. We are stunned and amazed at this ridiculous position of Elihu. “He comes very close here to viewing God as so far removed from human life, that he cannot be known or loved at all.”Ibid. Against this colossal error, there stand the glorious facts: the Cross of Jesus Christ, God’s love of the whole world, and the willingness of the Son of God to die for human redemption. Elihu’s position here, as more fully expressed in the following paragraph, is that God is no more concerned with human prayer than he might be with the cry of a screaming rabbit in the clutches of a hawk.

Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

For thou saidst - Another sentiment of a similar kind which Elihu proposes to examine. He had already adverted to this sentiment of Job in Job 34:9, and examined it at some length, and had shown in reply to it that God could not be unjust, and that there was great impropriety when man presumed to arraign the justice of the Most High. He now adverts to it again in order to show that God could not be benefited or injured by the conduct of man, and that he was, therefore, under no inducement to treat him otherwise than impartially.

What advantage will it be unto thee? - see the notes at Job 34:9. The phrase “unto thee,” refers to Job himself. He had said this to himself; or to his own soul. Such a mode of expression is not uncommon in the Scriptures.

And, What profit shall I have if I be cleansed from my sin - Margin, “or, by it” more than by my sin.”” The Hebrew will admit of either of these interpretations, and the sense is not materially varied. The idea is, that as to good treatment or securing the favor of God under the arrangements of his government, a man might just as well be wicked as righteous. He would be as likely to be prosperous in the world, and to experience the tokens of the divine favor. Job had by no means advanced such a sentiment; but he had maintained that he was treated “as if” he were a sinner; that the dealings of Providence were “not” in this world in accordance with the character of people; and this was interpreted by Elihu as maintaining that there was no advantage in being righteous, or that a man might as well be a sinner. It was for such supposed sentiments as these, that Elihu and the three friends of Job charged him with giving “answers” for wicked people, or maintaining opinions which went to sustain and encourage the wicked; see Job 34:36.

Smith's Bible Commentary

Chapter 35

Elihu continues to speak, he said, Do you think this to be right, that you said, My righteousness is more than God's? ( Job 35:1-2 )

Now Job didn't actually say that, but he is taking Job's words and showing that this would be the conclusion of what Job had said. "Do you think it is right that you said, 'My righteousness is more than God's'?"

For you said ( Job 35:3 ),

Here is what Job actually said,

What advantage will it be unto me? and, What profit shall I have, if I am cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. Look to the heavens, and see; behold the clouds which are higher than you. If you sin, what do you against him? or if any transgressions be multiplied, what do you do unto him? If thou be righteous, what do you give to him? or what receiveth he of your hand? Thy wickedness may hurt man as you are; and thy righteousness may profit the sons of men ( Job 35:3-8 ).

In other words, Elihu is saying to Job, "What can you add to God or what can you take away from God? If you live a righteous life, what's it going to do, what's it add to God? If you live a sinful life, what does it take away from God?" God is above man. So far above man. What advantage can God have in me living a good life? What does it disadvantage God for me to live a wicked life? You see, I can't really touch God. Now, it touches others if I live a sinful life, others around me may be hurt by it. They may be disadvantaged by my lying or cheating or stealing. Or if I do good, others may be benefited by my good. If I feed the poor or help them out, then they can be benefited. Man can benefit by my righteousness or sinfulness, but what does it do for God? What does it add to God that I live a righteous, holy life? Interesting questions. What can a man add unto God?

He said,

By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. But none says, Where is God my maker, who gives songs in the night; Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the fowls of the heaven? There they cry, but none gives answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. Although you say that you shall not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knows it not in great extremity: Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplies words without knowledge ( Job 35:9-16 ). "

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

Job’s position of indifference 35:1-3

Job had said that living a righteous life does not benefit a person since God does not consistently bless the righteous and punish the wicked in this life (Job 9:30-31; cf. Job 34:9; Job 35:3). Elihu thought this assertion was hardly a sign of Job’s innocence. In Job 35:2 "more than God’s" is clearer if we read "before God." "You" in Job 35:3 probably refers to any person (impersonal "you") rather than God.

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

4. Elihu’s third speech ch. 35

We could chart the differences in Elihu’s first three speeches this way.

Job felt that God should have rewarded him for his innocence, rather than subjecting him to suffering. Elihu replied that man’s sin or innocence does not affect God, and God was silent to Job because Job was proud. As before, Elihu first quoted Job (Job 35:1-3) and then refuted his statement (Job 35:4-16).

Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

For thou saidst, what advantage will it be unto thee?.... Meaning that his righteousness, his holy life and conversation, were of no avail to him: he received no more benefit by being righteous than if he was wicked, since God destroyed one as well as another; and since his righteousness did not secure him from afflictions and calamities, it was of no advantage to him; he had not said so in so many words, but it is inferred from what he had said, Job 9:22. Man's own righteousness is of no advantage to him as to justification before God, and acceptance with him, nor in the business of salvation, or with respect to heaven and happiness, so as to give a right and title to it; bat is of great advantage in other respects; is for self-defence against the imputations and calumnies of wicked men; it makes a man honourable and respectable among men, when to live a vicious course of life is scandalous and reproachful; it gives pleasure and satisfaction to the mind, the testimony of a good conscience is matter of rejoicing; and such a man is free from the racks and tortures of an evil conscience others are distressed with; besides, good works are an evidence of the truth and genuineness of faith to others, and ornament the doctrines of the Gospel and a profession of them: and though a righteous man may be afflicted as others, yet in a different manner, in love and not in wrath, and always for his good;

[and], what profit shall one have, [if I be cleansed] from my sin? The words, "if I be cleansed", are a supplement, and seem necessary; so Mr. Broughton supplies. Sin is of a defiling nature, yet man may be cleansed from it, not by anything he can do, but only by the grace of. God and blood of Christ; and from such a cleansing profit arises. This fits a man for the service and worship of God, and for communion with him; gives him peace of mind, and makes him meet for heaven. This Job had not expressly said, and not at all in this sense, but it seems to be inferred from Job 9:29; where he is speaking of outward purity of life, and yet was plunged into the ditch of afflictions. Some render the words to this sense, as if there was no profit "by expiation of atonement for sin" u; the same word signifying both sin and atonement for it: there is none but by the blood and sacrifice of Christ, and much profit arises from that; pardon of sin proceeds upon it, and this furnishes out much solid peace, joy, and comfort, Romans 5:10. Others, what profit by punishment for sin w, unless to God? so sin is sometimes put for punishment; or through leaving sin and repenting of it x. Now though these are not the causes of the pardon of sin, yet it is given and applied to such who do repent of it, confess and forsake it, Proverbs 28:13. Or by being "without sin" y: no man is without sin; but a man may be without any gross and enormous crime he is chargeable with, or without living a vicious course of life; and this is profitable, as has been before observed. Jarchi's paraphrase is,

"what shall I profit more by my righteousness than by my sin?''

which sense is followed by others: I may as well be wicked as righteous; I am not the better for it, since I am afflicted in the manner I am: my righteousness is of no profit to me; if to any, it is to God. To this Elihu returns an answer in the following verses.

u מחטאתי "de expiatione mea", Mercerus, c. "in expiando peccatum", Grotius חטאה "pro piaculo venit", Cocceius; so Simeon Bar Tzemach in loc. w "Supplicio meo", Junius Tremellius "mucta pro illo aut poena", Cocceius; "ex poena peccati mei", Drusius; so Ben Gersom. x "Subaudi relicto", so Mercerus, Drusius; "remisso et per poenitentiam diluto", Munster. y "Absque peccato", i.e. "ita vivendo ut non perccom"; so some in Michaelis.

Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

      1 Elihu spake moreover, and said,   2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?   3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?   4 I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.   5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.   6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?   7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?   8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.

      We have here,

      I. The bad words which Elihu charges upon Job, Job 35:2; Job 35:3. To evince the badness of them he appeals to Job himself, and his own sober thoughts, in the reflection: Thinkest thou this to be right? This intimates Elihu's confidence that the reproof he now gave was just, for he could refer the judgment of it even to Job himself. Those that have truth and equity on their side sooner or later will have every man's conscience on their side. It also intimates his good opinion of Job, that he thought better than he spoke, and that, though he had spoken amiss, yet, when he perceived his mistake, he would not stand to it. When we have said, in our haste, that which was not right, it becomes us to own that our second thoughts convince us that it was wrong. Two things Elihu here reproves Job for:-- 1. For justifying himself more than God, which was the thing that first provoked him, Job 32:2; Job 32:2. "Thou hast, in effect, said, My righteousness is more than God's," that is, "I have done more for God than ever he did for me; so that, when the accounts are balanced, he will be brought in debtor to me." As if Job thought his services had been paid less than they deserved and his sins punished more than they deserved, which is a most unjust and wicked thought for any man to harbour and especially to utter. When Job insisted so much upon his own integrity, and the severity of God's dealings with him, he did in effect say, My righteousness is more than God's; whereas, though we be ever so good and our afflictions ever so great, we are chargeable with unrighteousness and God is not. 2. For disowning the benefits and advantages of religion because he suffered these things: What profit shall I have if I be cleansed from my sin?Job 35:3; Job 35:3. This is gathered from Job 9:30; Job 9:31. Though I make my hands ever so clean, what the nearer am I? Thou shalt plunge me in the ditch. And Job 10:15; Job 10:15, If I be wicked, woe to me; but, if I be righteous, it is all the same. The psalmist, when he compared his own afflictions with the prosperity of the wicked, was tempted to say, Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain,Psalms 73:13. And, if Job said so, he did in effect say, My righteousness is more than God's (Job 35:9; Job 35:9); for, if he got nothing by his religion, God was more beholden to him than he was to God. But, though there might be some colour for it, yet it was not fair to charge these words upon Job, when he himself had made them the wicked words of prospering sinners (Job 21:15; Job 21:15, What profit shall we have if we pray to him?) and had immediately disclaimed them. The counsel of the wicked is far from me,Job 21:16; Job 21:16. It is not a fair way of disputing to charge men with those consequences of their opinions which they expressly renounce.

      II. The good answer which Elihu gives to this (Job 35:4; Job 35:4): "I will undertake to answer thee, and thy companions with thee," that is, "all those that approve thy sayings and are ready to justify thee in them, and all others that say as thou sayest: "I have that to offer which will silence them all." To do this he has recourse to his old maxim (Job 33:12; Job 33:12), that God is greater than man. This is a truth which, if duly improved, will serve many good purposes, and particularly this to prove that God is debtor to no man. The greatest of men may be a debtor to the meanest; but such is the infinite disproportion between God and man that the great God cannot possibly receive any benefit by man, and therefore cannot be supposed to lie under any obligation to man; for, if he be obliged by his purpose and promise, it is only to himself. That is a challenge which no man can take up (Romans 11:35), Who hath first given to God, let him prove it, and it shall be recompensed to him again. Why should we demand it, as a just debt, to gain by our religion (as Job seemed to do), when the God we serve does not gain by it? 1. Elihu needs not prove that God is above man; it is agreed by all; but he endeavours to affect Job and us with it, by an ocular demonstration of the height of the heavens and the clouds, Job 35:5; Job 35:5. They are far above us, and God is far above them; how much then is he set out of the reach either of our sins or of our services! Look unto the heavens, and behold the clouds. God made man erect, coelumque tueri jussit--and bade him look up to heaven. Idolaters looked up, and worshipped the hosts of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars; but we must look up to heaven, and worship the Lord of those hosts. They are higher than we, but God is infinitely above them. His glory is above the heavens (Psalms 8:1) and the knowledge of him higher than heaven, Job 11:8; Job 11:8. 2. But hence he infers that God is not affected, either one way or other, by any thing that we do. (1.) He owns that men may be either bettered or damaged by what we do (Job 35:8; Job 35:8): Thy wickedness, perhaps, may hurt a man as thou art, may occasion him trouble in his outward concerns. A wicked man may wound, or rob, or slander his neighbour, or may draw him into sin and so prejudice his soul. Thy righteousness, thy justice, thy charity, thy wisdom, thy piety, may perhaps profit the son of man. Our goodness extends to the saints that are in the earth,Psalms 16:3. To men like ourselves we are in a capacity either of doing injury or of showing kindness; and in both these the sovereign Lord and Judge of all will interest himself, will reward those that do good and punish those that do hurt to their fellow-creatures and fellow-subjects. But, (2.) He utterly denies that God can really be either prejudiced or advantaged by what any, even the greatest men of the earth, do, or can do. [1.] The sins of the worst sinners are no damage to him (Job 35:6; Job 35:6): "If thou sinnest wilfully, and of malice prepense, against him, with a high hand, nay, if thy transgressions be multiplied, and the acts of sin be ever so often repeated, yet what doest thou against him?" This is a challenge to the carnal mind, and defies the most daring sinner to do his worst. It speaks much for the greatness and glory of God that it is not in the power of his worst enemies to do him any real prejudice. Sin is said to be against God because so the sinner intends it and so God takes it, and it is an injury to his honour; yet it cannot do any thing against him. The malice of sinners is impotent malice: it cannot destroy his being or perfections, cannot dethrone him from his power and dominion, cannot disturb his peace and repose, cannot defeat his counsels and designs, nor can it derogate from his essential glory. Job therefore spoke amiss in saying What profit is it that I am cleansed from my sin? God was no gainer by his reformation; and who then would gain if he himself did not? [2.] The services of the best saints are no profit to him (Job 35:7; Job 35:7): If thou be righteous, what givest thou to him? He needs not our service; or, if he did want to have the work done, he has better hands than ours at command. Our religion brings no accession at all to his felicity. He is so far from being beholden to us that we are beholden to him for making us righteous and accepting our righteousness; and therefore we can demand nothing from him, nor have any reason to complain if we have not what we expect, but to be thankful that we have better than we deserve.