Bound in cords of affliction

[Job 36:8] And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;
[Bound and holden in cords - These are means which G-d uses, not of punishment, but of correction.]
[9] Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
[Work – He shows them the exceeding sinfulness of sin.
Have exceeded - that they have strengthened themselves, and did not trust in the living G-d; and therefore they would not help themselves when trouble came.]
[10] He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
[Open and commands - He gives them to understand the reason why they are thus corrected, and commands them to return from those iniquities which have induced Him to visit them with afflictions and distresses.]
[11] If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
[If they obey and serve Him - There may appear in the course of Providence to be some exceptions to this general rule; but it is most true, that this is literally or spiritually fulfilled to all the genuine followers of G-d. Every man is happy, in whatsoever circumstances, whose heart is unreservedly dedicated to his Maker.]
[12] But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
[Perish by the sword - Instead of they shall perish by the sword, the meaning of the Hebrew is, "By a dart they shall pass by." They shall be in continual dangers, and often fall before they have lived out half their days.]
[13] But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.
[Hypocrites in heart - The hypocrite is he who has the form but not the power, though he wishes to be thought as inwardly righteous as he is outwardly correct; and he takes up the profession of religion only to serve secular ends.
Cry not - They are too stubborn to humble themselves even under the mighty hand of G-d.
Bindeth - With the cords of affliction.]
[14] They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.
[Die in youth - the psalmist says, "Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days," Ps. 55:23. Literally, the words of Elihu are, "They shall die in the youth of their soul."
Among the unclean - among the whores, harlots, prostitutes, and sodomites, though it also signifies consecrated persons. They shall die by some exemplary stroke of Divine vengeance. Yea, and after death, their life is among the unclean, the unclean spirits, the devil and his angels, for ever excluded from the New Jerusalem, into which no unclean thing shall enter.]
[15] He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
[Opens their ears in oppression - He will let them know for what end they are afflicted, and why He permits them to be oppressed. The word yigel might be translated He shall make them exult, or sing with joy, in oppression; like the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace.]
[16] Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
[He have removed thee out - If you had turned to, obeyed, and served Him, your present state would have been widely different from what it is.
Into - A state of ease and freedom.]
[15] He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
[Opens their ears in oppression - He will let them know for what end they are afflicted, and why He permits them to be oppressed. The word yigel might be translated He shall make them exult, or sing with joy, in oppression; like the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace.]
[16] Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
[He have removed thee out - If you had turned to, obeyed, and served Him, your present state would have been widely different from what it is.
Into - A state of ease and freedom.]
[21] Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
[Regard not iniquity - you have preferred death to affliction, thereby setting your wisdom against the wisdom of G-d. Many in affliction, long for death; and yet they are not prepared to appear before G-d! What madness is this! If he takes them at their wish, they are ruined for ever. Affliction may be the means of their salvation; the wished-for death, of their eternal destruction.
Chosen - you hast chosen rather to quarrel with G-d, and censure His judgments, than quietly to submit to them.]
Have you ever felt like you were bound in affliction?
Had a death wish that needs canceling out?
You don’t want to die in the youth of your soul and let life get you down. Learn to rejoice in all circumstances for we only see in part, He is in control!