9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: {o} [if I say], I [am] perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
(o) If I stood in my own defence yet God would have just cause to condemn me if he examined my heart and conscience.
9:20 Justify - If I plead against God mine own righteousness and innocency.
9:14-21 Job is still righteous in his own eyes, ch. 32:1, and this answer, though it sets forth the power and majesty of God, implies that the question between the afflicted and the Lord of providence, is a question of might, and not of right; and we begin to discover the evil fruits of pride and of a self-righteous spirit. Job begins to manifest a disposition to condemn God, that he may justify himself, for which he is afterwards reproved. Still Job knew so much of himself, that he durst not stand a trial. If we say, We have no sin, we not only deceive ourselves, but we affront God; for we sin in saying so, and give the lie to the Scripture. But Job reflected on God's goodness and justice in saying his affliction was without cause.
