*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity - That is, in his sentiments. The idea is, that he advocated the same opinions which they did, and entertained the same views of God and of his government. The same charge had been before brought against him by his friends; see the notes at Job 21.
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity - This is an allusion to a caravan: all kinds of persons are found there; but yet a holy and respectable man might be found in that part of the company where profligates assembled. But surely this assertion of Elihu was not strictly true; and the words literally translated, will bear a less evil meaning: "Job makes a track ארח arach, to join fellowship, לחברה lechebrah, with the workers of iniquity;" i.e., Job's present mode of reasoning, when he says, "I am righteous, yet God hath taken away my judgment," is according to the assertion of sinners, who say, "There is no profit in serving God; for, if a man be righteous, he is not benefited by it, for God does not vindicate a just man's cause against his oppressors." By adopting so much of their creed, he intimates that Job is taking the steps that lead to fellowship with them. See Job 34:9.
Which goeth in (g) company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
(g) Meaning that Job was like the wicked, because he seemed not to glorify God and submit himself to his judgments.
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity,.... The worst of men, who make it their constant business and employment to commit sin:
and walketh with wicked men; the most abandoned of mankind. Not that Job kept company with such, and walked with them in all excess of not; nor did Elihu think so; Job was "a man that feared God, and eschewed evil", and evil men; he was "a companion of them that feared the Lord"; his delight was "with the excellent of the earth": nor should a good man keep company and walk with the wicked, nor can he with any pleasure. But the sense is, that by his words, the expressions that dropped from his lips, he seemed to agree with them, and to be of the same sentiments with them; and what he delivered tended to encourage and harden them in their sinful ways; and what those words were follow.
Job virtually goes in company (makes common cause) with the wicked, by taking up their sentiments (Job 9:22-23, Job 9:30; Job 21:7-15), or at least by saying, that those who act on such sentiments are unpunished (Malachi 3:14). To deny God's righteous government because we do not see the reasons of His acts, is virtually to take part with the ungodly.
Who goeth - Although I dare not say, that he is a wicked man, yet in this matter he speaks and acts like one of them.
*More commentary available at chapter level.