Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 7:17

17 What is man that thou should'st magnifie him ? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him ?

What is there in that poor, mean, contemptible Creature called Man, miserable man, as this word signifies, which can induce or incline thee to take any notice of him, to shew him such respect, or to make such account of him? Man is not worthy of thy Favour, and he is below thy Anger. It is too great a condescention to thee, and too great an honour for man that thou wiltst contend with him, and draw forth all thy forces against him, as if he were a fit match for thee; whereas men use to neglect and slight mean Adversaries, and will not do them the honour to fight with them. Comp. 1 Sam. 24. 14. Therefore do not, O Lord, thus dishonour thy self, nor magnifie me. I acknowledge that even thy corrections are mercies and honours, but, Lord, let me be no more so honoured.

i. e. Have any regard to him so far as to afflict him, which though it be grievous in it self, especially when it is aggravated as mine is, yet unto thy people it is a great mercy and blessing, as being highly necessary and useful to humble them, and purge them from sin, and prepare them for glory: as on the contrary, those wicked men whom thou doest despise and hate, and design to destroy, thou doest forbear to punish or afflict them.

Marginal references: Psal▪ 8. 4. & 144. 3. Heb. 26.