Have you ever stood at the crossroads of decision, faced with the choice between integrity and compromise, justice and injustice?
In Job 31, we witness Job’s unwavering commitment to righteousness and his impassioned plea for justice as he defends his innocence amidst overwhelming adversity.
Join us as we delve into the depths of Job’s character and explore the profound lessons of integrity and justice found within this chapter.
Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of the book of Job, we have witnessed Job’s profound suffering and the relentless scrutiny of his friends as they attempt to explain his misfortune. Despite their accusations and insinuations, Job remains steadfast in his conviction of innocence and his unwavering commitment to righteousness. In Job 31, we find Job making his final defense, passionately declaring his integrity and pleading for justice before God.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Job Asserts His Integrity
1“I have made a covenant with my eyes;
How then could I gaze at a virgin?
2“And what is the portion of God from above
Or the heritage of the Almighty from on high?
3“Is it not calamity to the unjust
And disaster to those who work iniquity?
4“Does He not see my ways
And number all my steps?
5“If I have walked with falsehood,
And my foot has hastened after deceit,
6Let Him weigh me with accurate scales,
And let God know my integrity.
7“If my step has turned from the way,
Or my heart followed my eyes,
Or if any spot has stuck to my hands,
8Let me sow and another eat,
And let my crops be uprooted.
9“If my heart has been enticed by a woman,
Or I have lurked at my neighbor’s doorway,
10May my wife grind for another,
And let others kneel down over her.
11“For that would be a lustful crime;
Moreover, it would be an iniquity punishable by judges.
12“For it would be fire that consumes to Abaddon,
And would uproot all my increase.
13“If I have despised the claim of my male or female slaves
When they filed a complaint against me,
14What then could I do when God arises?
And when He calls me to account, what will I answer Him?
15“Did not He who made me in the womb make him,
And the same one fashion us in the womb?
16“If I have kept the poor from their desire,
Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17Or have eaten my morsel alone,
And the orphan has not shared it
18(But from my youth he grew up with me as with a father,
And from infancy I guided her),
19If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
Or that the needy had no covering,
20If his loins have not thanked me,
And if he has not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep,
21If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan,
Because I saw I had support in the gate,
22Let my shoulder fall from the socket,
And my arm be broken off at the elbow.
23“For calamity from God is a terror to me,
And because of His majesty I can do nothing.
24“If I have put my confidence in gold,
And called fine gold my trust,
25If I have gloated because my wealth was great,
And because my hand had secured so much;
26If I have looked at the sun when it shone
Or the moon going in splendor,
27And my heart became secretly enticed,
And my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
28That too would have been an iniquity calling for judgment,
For I would have denied God above.
29“Have I rejoiced at the extinction of my enemy,
Or exulted when evil befell him?
30“No, I have not allowed my mouth to sin
By asking for his life in a curse.
31“Have the men of my tent not said,
‘Who can find one who has not been satisfied with his meat’?
32“The alien has not lodged outside,
For I have opened my doors to the traveler.
33“Have I covered my transgressions like Adam,
By hiding my iniquity in my bosom,
34Because I feared the great multitude,
And the contempt of families terrified me,
And kept silent and did not go out of doors?
35“Oh that I had one to hear me!
Behold, here is my signature;
Let the Almighty answer me!
And the indictment which my adversary has written,
36Surely I would carry it on my shoulder,
I would bind it to myself like a crown.
37“I would declare to Him the number of my steps;
Like a prince I would approach Him.
38“If my land cries out against me,
And its furrows weep together;
39If I have eaten its fruit without money,
Or have caused its owners to lose their lives,
40Let briars grow instead of wheat,
And stinkweed instead of barley.”
The words of Job are ended.
Summary Key Points:
- Job’s Oath of Innocence (Job 31:1-12): Job begins his defense by solemnly swearing an oath of innocence before God, pledging his integrity and righteousness in various areas of his life. He declares his commitment to purity of heart, fidelity in marriage, and compassion towards the poor and oppressed. Job vehemently denies any involvement in adultery, deceit, or mistreatment of others, affirming his blamelessness before God.
- Job’s Lamentation of Injustice (Job 31:13-23): Job expresses his anguish over the prevalence of injustice and oppression in society, lamenting the plight of the marginalized and vulnerable. He denounces the exploitation of the poor and the mistreatment of servants, expressing his deep empathy for those who suffer unjustly. Job passionately appeals to God as the ultimate arbiter of justice, imploring Him to vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked.
- Job’s Fear of God’s Judgment (Job 31:24-40): Job concludes his defense by acknowledging his fear of God’s judgment and his awareness of the consequences of wrongdoing. He confesses his reverence for God and his recognition of divine retribution for those who turn from righteousness. Job expresses his willingness to submit to God’s scrutiny and invites Him to weigh his integrity and righteousness in the balance of justice.
Call to Action:
As we reflect on the profound truths found in Job 31, let us consider how we can apply its lessons to our own lives:
- Integrity in Action: Like Job, let us strive to maintain unwavering integrity in all areas of our lives, upholding righteousness and purity of heart even in the face of adversity and temptation. Let us be people of honesty, sincerity, and moral uprightness, reflecting the character of God in our words and deeds.
- Justice and Compassion: Let us cultivate a heart of compassion towards the marginalized and oppressed, advocating for justice and righteousness in our communities and society. Let us stand up against injustice and oppression wherever we encounter it, seeking to be agents of positive change and transformation in the world around us.
- Fear of God and Humility: Let us cultivate a healthy fear of God, acknowledging His sovereignty and righteousness, and recognizing our own accountability before Him. Let us humbly submit ourselves to His scrutiny, inviting His examination of our hearts and lives, and seeking His guidance and direction in all things.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of integrity and justice we find in the life of Job. Help us to emulate his unwavering commitment to righteousness and his passionate plea for justice in our own lives. Give us the strength to uphold integrity in all that we do, to advocate for justice and compassion, and to cultivate a humble fear of You. May our lives be a reflection of Your righteousness and grace. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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