The Integrity of Job

Job was a man who did his best to follow God. ‘My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food’ (Job 23:11-12).

He attempted to be morally pure, to look after the poor, widows and orphans, to avoid greed and idolatrous worship, to never wish anyone harm (even his enemies) and to behave with integrity in his position as a wealthy land owner. He knew how to pray and always interceded for his family.

He had to go through the biggest test imaginable as Satan tried to prove that Job wouldn’t maintain his character in the face of extreme suffering. Satan attacked him over and over again through the accusations of his family and friends. His friends increased Job’s suffering instead of bringing him any comfort, as they refused to believe he wasn’t a secret sinner who was being justly punished by God.

I think the essence of Job’s story was overcoming the temptation to think that fearing God was a waste of time and that God didn’t really love Him. Just before he had a life changing encounter with God he cried out the question ‘But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?’ There was only one answer and Job affirmed that wisdom could only be attained by hearing the words of God. ‘God understands the way to it, and he knows its place...he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding’’ (Job 28:23-28).

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, when we go through hard times and suffering may we still cry out to You for the answers and not turn away from You in despair. We pray we can maintain our faith in You, even when others bring confusing messages to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.