2 Corinthians 10:18; Whom the Lord Commendeth
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.”