10:1 Job began to wallow in self-pity. When we face baffling affliction, our pain lures us toward feeling sorry for ourselves. At this point we are only one step from self-righteousness, where we keep track of life’s injustices and say, “Look what happened to me; how unfair it is!” We may feel like blaming God. Remember that life’s trials, whether allowed by God or sent by God, can be the means for development and refinement. When facing trials, ask, “What can I learn and how can I grow?” rather than “Who did this to me and how can I get out of it?”
10:1ff Job was restating his position as both he and God knew it: He was innocent. What Job really wanted was to talk to God personally and plead his case to have God explain the reasons for this suffering.
10:13, 14 In frustration, Job jumped to the false conclusion that God was out to get him. Wrong assumptions lead to wrong conclusions. We dare not take our limited experiences and jump to conclusions about life in general. If you find yourself doubting God, remember that you don’t have all the facts. God wants only the very best for your life. Many people endure great pain, but ultimately they find some greater good came from it. When you’re struggling, don’t assume the worst.
10:20-22 Job was expressing the view of death common in Old Testament times, that the dead went to a joyless, dark place called Sheol. There was no punishment or reward there, and no escape from it. (See the note on 19:25-27 for a broader picture of Job’s view of death.)