Lamentations 3:37-39

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass. A double question is implied, Who is it that can (as God, ) effect by a word anything? and, Who can effect anything without the will of God?

Verse 38. Out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth not evil and good? - Doth not calamity and prosperity alike proceed from God? (; ; .)

Verse 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain? - "living,'' and so having a time yet given him by God for repentance. If sin were punished as it deserves, life itself would be forfeited by the sinner. "Complaining" (murmuring) ill becomes him who enjoys such a favour as life (): the fact that we are still living at all, rebukes all complaining.

For the punishment of his sins. Instead of blaming God for his sufferings, he ought to recognize in them God's righteousness, and the just rewards of his own sins.

[Nun (n)]