Job 31 - Job's Defense

LINK: Job 31

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
Job gives his defense -- He has been morally upright, guarding his heart against lust, deceit, and adultery. He has treated his servants well, cared for the needy, remained faithful to God (not trusting gold or idols), and has even taken good care of his land. "I am not guilty!" Job insists. "Let God answer me."

REFLECTION
Can any man declare himself perfectly innocent before God? Job was a righteous man -- God said so himself (remember the beginning of the book?), but he's not a sinless man. So, will his defense hold up in God's court?

Did he live an upright life for nothing, or was it of value? Satan argued that Job was righteous only because God rewarded him. Job's "friends" argue that Job has committed some serious sin to deserve this suffering. Both Satan and the "friends" are wrong, but is Job right? Will God vindicate him?

PRAYER
Lord, give us a right view of ourselves before you. Let us not become proud, but boast only in the work of Jesus in our lives. Only you can make us holy, upright, righteous. And only you are the ultimate judge of our lives. May your Holy Spirit work in our lives to make us holy. Amen.