Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him that you make your ways perfect?
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Profit. God rules all with justice or with mercy: since, therefore, he punishes, it must be for some guilt, and not for his own advantage. But he might still chastise for the good of man, or to manifest his own power. John 9:3. God also punishes the sinner for the wrong which he does to himself. Saint Augustine Conf. iii. 8. Any one may discover the sophism of Eliphaz. If God were indifferent with regard to our virtue, who would be able to advance one step towards him? Calmet.—Man is unprofitable indeed to God, but he may reap great advantage from piety himself; and this is what God desires, as well as his own glory. Matthew 5:17. Worthington.