Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 22:2

2. Can a man be profitable unto God , as b he that is wise may be profitable to himself c?

i. e. Add any thing to his Perfection or Felicity, to wit, by his Righteousness, as the next Verse shews. Why then dost thou insist so much upon thy own Righteousness, as if thou didst oblige God by it, or as if he could not without injury afflict thee who supposest thy self to be a righteous person, though indeed thou art not so, as he saith, v. 5, 6, &c. but if thou wert really so, God is not thy debter for it. Or, because; or, but; or yea rather: so this latter Clause is to be read without an Interrogation, and the former with it. A wise or good man (for these in Scripture-use are one and the same) doth much good to himself, he promotes his own Peace, and Honour, and Happiness by his Goodness; and having so great a reward for his Virtue, God is not indebted to him, but he is indebted to God for it.

Marginal references: Chap. 35. 7. Psal. 16. 2. Luk. 17. 10.; Or, if he may be profitable, doth his good success depend thereon?