“Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.”
Eliphaz recalls Job's earlier capacity to instruct others, to strengthen the weak, and to support those whose knees were failing, establishing Job's former role as a teacher and source of strength. This recollection serves implicitly to suggest that Job's current despair contradicts his own teachings about faith and resilience. The implication is that Job should now apply his own wisdom to his own situation, modeling the fortitude he has previously taught.
Church Fathers on Job 4:3
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. If the text of the historical account be regarded in itself, it is of great service to the reader, that in blessed Job, instead of the ripping up of vices, proclaim is made of his virtues by his reviling friends; for the testimony to our manner of life is never so strong, as when commendable things are told…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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