Lamentations 3:39

“Wherefore doth a living man complain? etc.] Or murmur, or fret and vex, or bemoan himself; all which the word f82 may signify; as the prophet had done in his own person; or as representing the church, (<250301>Lamentations 3:1-19); and here checks himself for it; and especially since the mercies and compassions of God never fail, and are daily renewed; and the Lord himself is the portion of his people, (<250323>Lamentations 3:23,24); and seeing he is good to them that seek him, and it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of God, and to bear the yoke patiently, (<250325>Lamentations 3:25-27); and because of the unwillingness of God to afflict men, and his sympathy and compassion towards…”

“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 favor as life (Pro 19:3). 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 sin.”

“Why then does a loving God, who disapproves of suffering when inflicted by man upon man, Himself send sorrow and misery? “Because of sins.” Lamentations 3:37 Literally, “Who is this that spake and it was done, though אדני 'ădonāy commanded it not?” Lamentations 3:39 So long as God spares a man’s life, why does he complain? The chastisement is really for his good; only let him use it aright, and he will be thankful for it in the end. A man for the punishment of his sins - Translate: Let “each man sigh for,” i. e. because of, “his sins.” Instead of complaining because God sends him sorrow, let him rather mourn over the sins which have made punishment necessary. The sense of the King James…”

“Wherefore - The Jews, check themselves in their complaints from the consideration, that nothing had befallen them, but what was the just reward of their sins. Lamentations 3:42”

“doth: Lam 3:22; Num 11:11; Pro 19:3; Isa 38:17-19 complain: or, murmur a man: Gen 4:5-7, Gen 4:13, Gen 4:14; Lev 26:41, Lev 26:43; Num 16:41, Num 17:12; Jos 7:6-13; Sa2 6:7, Sa2 6:8; Kg2 3:13, Kg2 6:32; Ezr 9:13; Job 11:6; Isa 51:20; Jon 2:3, Jon 2:4; Jon 4:8, Jon 4:9; Mic 7:9; Heb 12:5-12; Rev 16:9 Lamentations 3:40”