Romans 9:20 : Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus? The questions of Rom 9:19 do not imply any objections to Paul's statements concerning God's dealings with certain men in working out his plans, but rather to the methods of God himself. Verse 20 is not an answer to the questions, but rather a rebuke to those who raise such questions. Such questioners show a lack of reverence and respect for God. Such questions really charge God with being unfair and capricious. Who is man that he should find fault with God? Who is man that he should talk back at God? Man makes his own character, either according to God's directions and with his help, or else he makes a character against God's teaching and God's willingness to help. God then uses him as an agent of mercy, or else an instrument upon which to display his wrath. Pharaoh's character was bad he made it so. God, therefore, made him an object upon which to display his wrath and to make his power known. He, therefore, had no grounds for complaint against God because of the plagues.