"I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." --- Job 42:6.
My dear reader, reflect for a moment who it was that made this confession, and consider the many excellencies that he had; (see chapter 31.) Doubtless you will be ready to ask, Why this self-abhorrence? What did this man want? Let me give this answer to you: Before his eyes were opened, he wanted humility, or the knowledge of his own vileness; the very thing that you need, if not deeply humbled, and the want of which makes every man vile in the eyes of God. Elihu charges Job with an undue opinion of his own righteousness; and God, who, by stroke upon stroke, and not one too much, had brought him to the dunghill, is represented as carrying on the same accusation against him.
The whole issues in Job's humiliation, and conveys a most important lesson of instruction to all mankind, never to stand upon their vindication with God. The book, in this view of it, is prepartory to the gospel, and a striking comment upon those words of St. Paul and the psalmist, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" "In thy sight shall no man living be justified." "God be merciful to me a sinner!" is a prayer easy to be said, but hard to be felt. One eye upon the perfection of God's laws, and another upon your own heart, may bring you up to it. But the Spirit's light is also needful, for which you must pray earnestly.
A sinner vile I am, O Lord,
A sinner day by day;
Much cause I have to loathe myself,
And for thy mercy pray.