i. Job's manner of speaking is parabolic and mystical. By this very verse it is shown how mystically the sayings of this most holy man were set forth, since a parable, that is, a similitude, is taken up as narrated by one who says nothing lowly by way of comparison or likeness. For far be it from us to understand in this place the parable to be that instrument of music. For it is not lawful to believe that amid the affliction of his sufferings he would use musical instruments, since through his own Scripture the Truth says: «Music in mourning is an unseasonable tale» (Ecclus. 22:6). Therefore, since a parable is named, behold, from the very text as it speaks we already learn not to weigh his words merely according to the text. And so all things are to be drawn to that similitude by which the Church is figuratively designated.
And indeed at the very outset of the discourse the words are set forth plainly, but they are wrapped up in the more obscure things that follow. For, as is customary, he begins with a plain manner of speech; but he completes his words in a narration weighted with mystical meanings. And so he says: