Are we ever tempted to accuse God of not doing right, or do we wait upon him with patient trust? Let’s look at Job 35.
Did Elihu claim that Job thought he was right and not God? Are we self-righteous like this?
Then Elihu said: “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am in the right, not God.’ Yet you ask him, ‘What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?’ (Job 35:1-3 NIV)
Does Elihu remind Job that God is far above, unaffected by any good or evil here below?
I will answer you, And your companions with you. Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds—They are higher than you. If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects a man such as you, And your righteousness a son of man. (Job 35:4-8 NKJV)
Do so many people cry out in agony but not ask, where is God?
People cry out when they are oppressed. They groan beneath the power of the mighty. Yet they don’t ask, ‘Where is God my Creator, the one who gives songs in the night? Where is the one who makes us smarter than the animals and wiser than the birds of the sky?’ (Job 35:9-11 NLT)
Is Elihu claiming that Job’s prayers were the proud and empty prayers of an evil man?
There they cry, but no one answers, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it. (Job 35:12-13 WEB)
Does Elihu tell Job to wait upon God patiently and to not pile up ignorant words?
Although you say that you don’t see him, the case is before him; so wait anxiously for him. Even though his anger is now held back, a person doesn’t know it’s only delayed. So Job mouths emptiness; he piles up ignorant words. (Job 35:14-16 CEB)
Is this one of life’s greatest lessons, to wait upon the Lord and His timing?
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Ps 27:14 ESV)
Whether we are experiencing good or bad times, do we trust God’s promises?
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28 HCSB)
Are we ever tempted to accuse God of not doing right, or do we wait upon him with patient trust? You decide!
Is God Just (Job 34)
Was one of Job’s biggest problems accusing God of injustice? Let’s look at Job 34.
How does Elihu summarize his understanding of Job’s claim to innocence?
Elihu continued: Hear my words, wise ones; knowledgeable ones, listen to me, for the ear tests words like the palate tastes food. Let’s choose for us what’s right; let’s determine among ourselves what’s good; for Job has said, “I’m innocent; God has denied my just cause; because of my cause I’m thought a liar; my wound from an arrow is incurable, even though I didn’t rebel.” (Job 34:1-6 CEB)
Why does Elihu accuse Job of being shameless in his attitude towards God?
But to tell the truth, Job is shameless! He spends his time with sinners, because he has said, “It doesn't pay to please God.” (Job 34:7-9 CEV)
Does Elihu charge Job that God does not do wickedly nor pervert justice?
Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him. Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world? If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. (Job 34:10-15 ESV)
Does God show any kind of partiality to rich or poor?
If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I have to say. Could one who hates justice govern the world? Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One, who says to a king, “Worthless man!” and to nobles, “Wicked men!”? God is not partial to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands. They die suddenly in the middle of the night; people shudder, then pass away. Even the mighty are removed without effort. (Job 34:16-20 HCSB)
Is God always aware of our actions on earth, that he does not need to investigate before judgment?
Yes, Job, his eyes constantly watch the behavior of human beings; he carefully observes their every step. There’s no such thing as darkness to him— not even deep darkness— that can conceal those who practice evil. He won’t examine mankind further, that they would go before God to judgment. He shatters valiant men without a need to investigate, and he raises others in their place. Thus he acknowledges their behavior, and overcomes them; when night time comes, they are crushed. (Job 34:21-25 ISV)
Does God punish the wicked immediately in this life in plain sight of all or wait?
He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. (Job 34:26-30 KJV)
Did Elihu hit upon a key issue, in that Job has accused God?
For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne chastisement; I will not work destructively anymore; Instruct me what I do not behold; If I have done injustice, I will not do it again’? Shall He repay on your terms, because you have rejected it? For you must choose, and not I; Therefore say what you know. Men with a heart of wisdom will say to me, And a wise man who hears me, ‘Job speaks without knowledge, And his words are without insight. Job ought to be tested to the limit Because he answers like wicked men. For he adds transgression to his sin; He strikes his hands together among us, And multiplies his words against God.’” (Job 34:31-37 LSB)
Was Elihu at least partially right in that God shows no partiality to rich or poor?
For there is no partiality with God. (Rom 2:11 NASB)
Was one of Job’s biggest problems accusing God of injustice? You decide!
How does Elihu summarize his understanding of Job’s claim to innocence?
Elihu continued: Hear my words, wise ones; knowledgeable ones, listen to me, for the ear tests words like the palate tastes food. Let’s choose for us what’s right; let’s determine among ourselves what’s good; for Job has said, “I’m innocent; God has denied my just cause; because of my cause I’m thought a liar; my wound from an arrow is incurable, even though I didn’t rebel.” (Job 34:1-6 CEB)
Why does Elihu accuse Job of being shameless in his attitude towards God?
But to tell the truth, Job is shameless! He spends his time with sinners, because he has said, “It doesn't pay to please God.” (Job 34:7-9 CEV)
Does Elihu charge Job that God does not do wickedly nor pervert justice?
Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him. Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world? If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. (Job 34:10-15 ESV)
Does God show any kind of partiality to rich or poor?
If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I have to say. Could one who hates justice govern the world? Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One, who says to a king, “Worthless man!” and to nobles, “Wicked men!”? God is not partial to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands. They die suddenly in the middle of the night; people shudder, then pass away. Even the mighty are removed without effort. (Job 34:16-20 HCSB)
Is God always aware of our actions on earth, that he does not need to investigate before judgment?
Yes, Job, his eyes constantly watch the behavior of human beings; he carefully observes their every step. There’s no such thing as darkness to him— not even deep darkness— that can conceal those who practice evil. He won’t examine mankind further, that they would go before God to judgment. He shatters valiant men without a need to investigate, and he raises others in their place. Thus he acknowledges their behavior, and overcomes them; when night time comes, they are crushed. (Job 34:21-25 ISV)
Does God punish the wicked immediately in this life in plain sight of all or wait?
He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. (Job 34:26-30 KJV)
Did Elihu hit upon a key issue, in that Job has accused God?
For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne chastisement; I will not work destructively anymore; Instruct me what I do not behold; If I have done injustice, I will not do it again’? Shall He repay on your terms, because you have rejected it? For you must choose, and not I; Therefore say what you know. Men with a heart of wisdom will say to me, And a wise man who hears me, ‘Job speaks without knowledge, And his words are without insight. Job ought to be tested to the limit Because he answers like wicked men. For he adds transgression to his sin; He strikes his hands together among us, And multiplies his words against God.’” (Job 34:31-37 LSB)
Was Elihu at least partially right in that God shows no partiality to rich or poor?
For there is no partiality with God. (Rom 2:11 NASB)
Was one of Job’s biggest problems accusing God of injustice? You decide!
Elihu Confronts Job (Job 33)
As we age we often go quiet because our wisdom is not wanted, but in the midst of blunt confrontation, can there also be some wisdom in youth? Let’s look at Job 33.
Did Elihu turn his attention to Job and speak with blunt sincerity?
Now please listen to what I have to say, Job. Listen to every word! Look! I’ve begun to speak, and I’m fashioning my words. I speak from the innocence of my heart; and my lips will utter what I sincerely know. (Job 33:1-3 ISV)
Does Elihu want to now challenge Job but not be heavy on him?
The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. (Job 33:4-7 KJV)
Why does Elihu say that Job is not right in his defense of himself, because God is always right?
Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your speech: ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no guilt in me. Behold, He finds reasons for opposition against me; He counts me as His enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks; He keeps watch over all my paths.’ Behold, let me answer you; you are not right in this, For God is greater than mortal man. (Job 33:8-12 LSB)
Did Elihu ask Job why he complained to God who warns men to keep them from destructive sin?
Why do you complain to Him That He does not give an account of all His doings? Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it. In a dream, a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls on people, While they slumber in their beds, Then He opens the ears of people, And horrifies them with warnings, So that He may turn a person away from bad conduct, And keep a man from pride; He keeps his soul back from the pit, And his life from perishing by the spear. (Job 33:13-18 NASB)
Does Elihu actually agree with Job’s other friends, that he is being chastened for sin?
Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. (Job 33:19-22 NIV)
Are we grateful for the messenger that warns us about sin and saves us from hell?
If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness. Then he looks at men and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.’ He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light. (Job 33:23-28 NKJV)
Does Elihu implore Job to listen to him because he wants the best for Job? Does he sound a little bit arrogant?
Yes, God does these things again and again for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say. But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom! (Job 33:29-33 NLT)
Is there a certain amount of truth to what Elihu is saying?
You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Heb 12:5-6 WEB Prov 3:11-12)
As we age we often go quiet because our wisdom is not wanted, but in the midst of blunt confrontation, can there also be some wisdom in youth? You decide!
Did Elihu turn his attention to Job and speak with blunt sincerity?
Now please listen to what I have to say, Job. Listen to every word! Look! I’ve begun to speak, and I’m fashioning my words. I speak from the innocence of my heart; and my lips will utter what I sincerely know. (Job 33:1-3 ISV)
Does Elihu want to now challenge Job but not be heavy on him?
The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. (Job 33:4-7 KJV)
Why does Elihu say that Job is not right in his defense of himself, because God is always right?
Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your speech: ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no guilt in me. Behold, He finds reasons for opposition against me; He counts me as His enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks; He keeps watch over all my paths.’ Behold, let me answer you; you are not right in this, For God is greater than mortal man. (Job 33:8-12 LSB)
Did Elihu ask Job why he complained to God who warns men to keep them from destructive sin?
Why do you complain to Him That He does not give an account of all His doings? Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it. In a dream, a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls on people, While they slumber in their beds, Then He opens the ears of people, And horrifies them with warnings, So that He may turn a person away from bad conduct, And keep a man from pride; He keeps his soul back from the pit, And his life from perishing by the spear. (Job 33:13-18 NASB)
Does Elihu actually agree with Job’s other friends, that he is being chastened for sin?
Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. (Job 33:19-22 NIV)
Are we grateful for the messenger that warns us about sin and saves us from hell?
If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness. Then he looks at men and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.’ He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light. (Job 33:23-28 NKJV)
Does Elihu implore Job to listen to him because he wants the best for Job? Does he sound a little bit arrogant?
Yes, God does these things again and again for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say. But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom! (Job 33:29-33 NLT)
Is there a certain amount of truth to what Elihu is saying?
You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Heb 12:5-6 WEB Prov 3:11-12)
As we age we often go quiet because our wisdom is not wanted, but in the midst of blunt confrontation, can there also be some wisdom in youth? You decide!
Confronting Friends (Job 32)
Can a young man speak a little bit closer to the truth than Job’s older friends? Let’s look at Job 32.
Was Job righteous in his own eyes, and did he justify himself rather than God? Did his friends condemn him though they found no answer?
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God. Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. (Job 32:1-5 WEB)
Though Job’s elderly friends should have been wiser than young Elihu, where does true wisdom really come from?
Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said: I’m young and you’re old, so I held back, afraid to express my opinion to you. I thought, Let days speak; let multiple years make wisdom known. But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding. The advanced in days aren’t wise; the old don’t understand what’s right. Therefore, I say: “Listen to me; I’ll state my view, even I.” (Job 32:6-10 CEB)
Did any one of Job’s friends prove that he was wrong about something?
I eagerly listened to each of your arguments, but not one of you proved Job to be wrong. You shouldn't say, “We know what's right! Let God punish him.” Job hasn't spoken against me, and so I won't answer him with your arguments. (Job 32:11-14 CEV)
Was Elihu bursting with the need to say something to Job’s friends?
They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say. And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion. For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away. (Job 32:15-22 ESV)
Will God reveal His will to sons and daughters, the young and old alike?
And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:17 HCSB)
Can a young man speak a little bit closer to the truth than Job’s older friends? You decide!
Was Job righteous in his own eyes, and did he justify himself rather than God? Did his friends condemn him though they found no answer?
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God. Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. (Job 32:1-5 WEB)
Though Job’s elderly friends should have been wiser than young Elihu, where does true wisdom really come from?
Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said: I’m young and you’re old, so I held back, afraid to express my opinion to you. I thought, Let days speak; let multiple years make wisdom known. But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding. The advanced in days aren’t wise; the old don’t understand what’s right. Therefore, I say: “Listen to me; I’ll state my view, even I.” (Job 32:6-10 CEB)
Did any one of Job’s friends prove that he was wrong about something?
I eagerly listened to each of your arguments, but not one of you proved Job to be wrong. You shouldn't say, “We know what's right! Let God punish him.” Job hasn't spoken against me, and so I won't answer him with your arguments. (Job 32:11-14 CEV)
Was Elihu bursting with the need to say something to Job’s friends?
They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say. And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion. For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away. (Job 32:15-22 ESV)
Will God reveal His will to sons and daughters, the young and old alike?
And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:17 HCSB)
Can a young man speak a little bit closer to the truth than Job’s older friends? You decide!
Job's Claim (Job 31)
What was Job’s biggest flaw? Was it that he claimed he had no sin? Do we? Let’s begin in Job 31.
Did Job understand some things that Jesus later taught in the sermon on the mount?
I promised myself never to stare with desire at a young woman. God All-Powerful punishes men who do that. In fact, God sends disaster on all who sin, and he keeps a close watch on everything I do. (Job 31:1-4 CEV)
Did Job challenge those who might accuse him of falsehood, of turning aside from the way?
If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; (Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!) if my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has stuck to my hands, then let me sow, and another eat, and let what grows for me be rooted out. (Job 31:5-8 ESV)
Did Job ever commit adultery? Did he consider that to be worthy of punishment?
If my heart has been seduced by my neighbor’s wife or I have lurked at his door, let my own wife grind grain for another man, and let other men sleep with her. For that would be a disgrace; it would be a crime deserving punishment. For it is a fire that consumes down to Abaddon; it would destroy my entire harvest. (Job 31:9-12 HCSB)
Did Job treat his servants well? Did he treat them as equals before God?
If I’ve refused to help my male and female servants when they complain against me, what will I do when God stands up to act? When he asks the questions, how will I answer him? The one who made me in the womb made them, too, didn’t he? Didn’t the same one prepare each of us in the womb? (Job 31:13-15 ISV)
Was Job stingy toward the poor, or cold-hearted towards the widow?
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;) If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure. (Job 31:16-23 KJV)
Did Job trust in gold or wealth, or did he worship the sun and moon?
If I have put my confidence in gold, And called fine gold my trust, If I have been glad because my wealth was great, And because my hand had found so much, If I have looked at the sun when it shone Or the moon going in splendor, And my heart became secretly enticed, And my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, That too would have been an iniquity calling for judgment, For I would have denied God above. (Job 31:24-28 LSB)
Did Job rejoice when enemies were cursed, or refuse hospitality to strangers?
Have I rejoiced at the misfortune of my enemy, Or become excited when evil found him? No, I have not allowed my mouth to sin By asking for his life in a curse. Have the people of my tent not said, ‘Who can find one who has not been satisfied with his meat’? The stranger has not spent the night outside, For I have opened my doors to the traveler. (Job 31:29-32 NASB)
Was Job prepared to answer any of his accusers in great detail?
if I have concealed my sin as people do, by hiding my guilt in my heart because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside— (“Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown. I would give him an account of my every step; I would present it to him as to a ruler.) (Job 31:33-37 NIV)
How did Job conclude his arguments proclaiming his innocence?
If my land cries out against me, And its furrows weep together; If I have eaten its fruit without money, Or caused its owners to lose their lives; Then let thistles grow instead of wheat, And weeds instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended. (Job 31:38-40 NKJV)
Of course we should practice the truth and live in the light, but can any of us really claim we are without sin?
So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. (1 John 1:6-8 NLT)
What was Job’s biggest problem? Was it that he claimed he had no sin? Do we? You decide!
Did Job understand some things that Jesus later taught in the sermon on the mount?
I promised myself never to stare with desire at a young woman. God All-Powerful punishes men who do that. In fact, God sends disaster on all who sin, and he keeps a close watch on everything I do. (Job 31:1-4 CEV)
Did Job challenge those who might accuse him of falsehood, of turning aside from the way?
If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; (Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!) if my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has stuck to my hands, then let me sow, and another eat, and let what grows for me be rooted out. (Job 31:5-8 ESV)
Did Job ever commit adultery? Did he consider that to be worthy of punishment?
If my heart has been seduced by my neighbor’s wife or I have lurked at his door, let my own wife grind grain for another man, and let other men sleep with her. For that would be a disgrace; it would be a crime deserving punishment. For it is a fire that consumes down to Abaddon; it would destroy my entire harvest. (Job 31:9-12 HCSB)
Did Job treat his servants well? Did he treat them as equals before God?
If I’ve refused to help my male and female servants when they complain against me, what will I do when God stands up to act? When he asks the questions, how will I answer him? The one who made me in the womb made them, too, didn’t he? Didn’t the same one prepare each of us in the womb? (Job 31:13-15 ISV)
Was Job stingy toward the poor, or cold-hearted towards the widow?
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;) If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure. (Job 31:16-23 KJV)
Did Job trust in gold or wealth, or did he worship the sun and moon?
If I have put my confidence in gold, And called fine gold my trust, If I have been glad because my wealth was great, And because my hand had found so much, If I have looked at the sun when it shone Or the moon going in splendor, And my heart became secretly enticed, And my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, That too would have been an iniquity calling for judgment, For I would have denied God above. (Job 31:24-28 LSB)
Did Job rejoice when enemies were cursed, or refuse hospitality to strangers?
Have I rejoiced at the misfortune of my enemy, Or become excited when evil found him? No, I have not allowed my mouth to sin By asking for his life in a curse. Have the people of my tent not said, ‘Who can find one who has not been satisfied with his meat’? The stranger has not spent the night outside, For I have opened my doors to the traveler. (Job 31:29-32 NASB)
Was Job prepared to answer any of his accusers in great detail?
if I have concealed my sin as people do, by hiding my guilt in my heart because I so feared the crowd and so dreaded the contempt of the clans that I kept silent and would not go outside— (“Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown. I would give him an account of my every step; I would present it to him as to a ruler.) (Job 31:33-37 NIV)
How did Job conclude his arguments proclaiming his innocence?
If my land cries out against me, And its furrows weep together; If I have eaten its fruit without money, Or caused its owners to lose their lives; Then let thistles grow instead of wheat, And weeds instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended. (Job 31:38-40 NKJV)
Of course we should practice the truth and live in the light, but can any of us really claim we are without sin?
So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. (1 John 1:6-8 NLT)
What was Job’s biggest problem? Was it that he claimed he had no sin? Do we? You decide!
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