Job 31:29–37 (ESV)
“If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me,
or exulted when evil overtook him
(I have not let my mouth sin
by asking for his life with a curse),
if the men of my tent have not said,
‘Who is there that has not been filled with his meat?’
(the sojourner has not lodged in the street;
I have opened my doors to the traveler),
if I have concealed my transgressions as others do
by hiding my iniquity in my heart,
because I stood in great fear of the multitude,
and the contempt of families terrified me,
so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors—
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
(Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!)
Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!
Surely I would carry it on my shoulder;
I would bind it on me as a crown;
I would give him an account of all my steps;
like a prince I would approach him.”
Okay, so Job is going to eventually crack under the strain of his “friends” giving him advice. How does that happen?
All along, Job has been replying to his friends’ claims that he must have done something wrong to precipitate this disaster. In Chapter 28, he makes another similar defense, lasting three whole chapters, but eventually he ventures into their faulty theology.
Specifically, he displays pride by buying into the idea that God’s actions have to make sense to us. He even wants to question God, saying, “Let the Almighty answer me!”
Big mistake.
Wow. Does God smack him half-way across the galaxy, or what?
No, Job gets a blunt lecture on his limited understanding of things, but God shows amazing grace. He turns it into a teaching moment (for Job and for us).
But God does use mockery to drive home His point. They are harsh words, but they’re only words. Here’s how God starts His response.
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy? — Job 38:1–7 (ESV)This chewing out lasts all the way into Chapter 40, ending with:
“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.” — Job 40:2 (ESV)
Burn! But, like you said, they’re only words. So, I’m guessing Job learns his lesson.
Yeah, he totally repents.
Then Job answered the LORD and said:
“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth.
I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
twice, but I will proceed no further.” — Job 40:3–5 (ESV)Then, after God gives Job another chapter and a half of teaching, Job repents again.
Then Job answered the LORD and said:
“I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” — Job 42:1–6 (ESV)
Pretty much as expected. I guess you’re going to tie this all together tomorrow.
