Days 11-12 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Job 22–28
Note: Since this is a two-day study, it is suggested that the Scriptures be read the first day and the Bible study the second day.
When Waiting on God is Taking too Long; Timely Justice
Note: This Bible study is also available in audio format
Have any of us suffered loss and then were blamed for it? Perhaps religious friends or acquaintances claimed terrible stuff happened because of sin in our life. Or, they said we are suffering because we failed to do something—be kind to the poor, widows, orphans, or some other omission. However, we are innocent. What do we do when we suffer injustice, but correcting this wrong is not timely? The Biblical patriarch Job faced this exact situation.
Job suffers continual pain from a skin disease (possibly Scabies), so he looks detestable to all who see him, even his wife.
His three friends come to visit him. Instead of comforting him, however, they criticize and accuse him of wickedness. In his pain, Job cries aloud, defending himself and his integrity.
False Accusations
Eliphaz is tired of hearing Job’s speeches of innocence. After earlier acknowledging Job’s goodness (4:3-6), now he falsely accuses Job of wickedness.Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless? You demanded security from your brothers for no reason; you stripped men of their clothing, leaving them naked. You gave no water to the weary and you withheld food from the hungry, though you were a powerful man, owning land—an honored man, living on it. And you sent widows away empty-handed and broke the strength of the fatherless. That is why snares are all around you, why sudden peril terrifies you (Job 22:5-10, NIV).
Job’s response
Job replies that he is innocent and could appear before the LORD without fear of being judged for evil behavior. If he could find the Almighty, he would present his case.
…[God] knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread (Job 23:10-12, NIV).
Job mentions other issues that require justice
- The confiscation of property by moving boundary stones
- The oppression of widows, orphans, and the poor—their ability to earn a living is removed. Their property and possessions are seized, and they are left without clothing, food, and homes.
- Punishment for thieves, murderers, and adulterers. Job knows they will eventually be punished, but what about now?
Job is suffering terribly, but he is not guilty. Still, he can’t find justice. God won’t give him an audience, and Job doesn’t understand.
Bildad’s “encouragement” and Job’s response
Bildad’s answer to Job is insulting! Job, you are too insignificant for God to give you an audience! You are like a maggot or a worm! (Job 25:6)Job replies,
How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! What advice you have offered to one without wisdom! And what great insight you have displayed! Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth? (Job 26:1-4, NIV)
In other words, Bildad, are you speaking from God or Satan? When we comfort the sick or otherwise oppressed, it’s crucial that we carefully search out what he would have us say. They need comfort, not insults. The rest of the world disdains them for how they look or their circumstances, but we should exercise mercy and pity.
Job acknowledges that God is All-Powerful and knows all things. He has unsearchable wisdom and doesn’t have to answer to anyone. For some reason, known only to the LORD, he allows Job to suffer.
Although Job can’t gain an audience with the LORD, Job still doesn’t curse or live as if God doesn’t exist, even in his frustration. Instead, he determines to hold on to his integrity and righteousness because he knows this is the right way. Job knows that because God is righteous, he will eventually be cleared of any wrongdoings.
Job tells his friends,
I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. (Job 27:5-6, NIV)
Where can we find answers for suffering?
It’s the wicked who usually are punished, not the righteous. We don’t understand why the righteous suffer. Where will we find the answers?
Job says that people mine for treasures deep in the earth where no birds or animals reside, but where are wisdom and understanding found? (Job 28). God has said to man, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding” (Job 28:28, NIV). God is exalted in power and glory, and if we were to meet him, we would tremble and fall down as dead in fear of him.
Wisdom and understanding reside with God. He has a purpose for everything, although we may not understand it. Whether we ever find the reason for injustice, we know we can trust him to do what is right. Do we know God in a personal way? Christians, do we fear the LORD and shun evil and seek wisdom and understanding from him?
God rewards Christians but not always while we live. An evil life eventually leads to destruction (Psalm 73:27). However, God offers us forgiveness, peace, spiritual life, and rewards in heaven if we accept Jesus as our sacrifice for sins (more...). Those who persist in doing right will be given justice and rewards.
This is Job’s resolve, even though he is in physical and emotional distress. He trusts God and reveres him. He tries valiantly to maintain his integrity and righteousness, believing that justice will finally prevail. With God’s help, we can do the same. Let’s pray for the sustaining grace of his Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26).
Boundary stones are marked property lines
Those who persist in doing right have a personal relationship with God and are obeying him (more...)
Discussion
From this Bible study, what are some things we shouldn’t do or say to those oppressed by sickness or other things?
What is a good discipline that we do before visiting the sick or otherwise oppressed?
Where can we go for answers to help with suffering? Why there?
Focus Verse
Job 28:28 (NIV) “And he [God] said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord-- that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’”
Here is a song by Jason Crabb to encourage you
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Sample Prayer:
Dear Father, you’re acquainted with all our ways, and you know our needs. You can be our provider and strength in trouble. We’re a microwave society, always wanting a quick answer, but sometimes, it’s your will for us to wait. Therefore, please give us perseverance in faith. You know when the time is right for helping or delivering us. Give us strength and endurance as our daily bread. Provide for us so we can testify of your goodness and faithfulness. If our trouble is caused by sin, we confess it in a particular manner and ask for forgiveness. Help us also to graciously forgive others. Lead us away from the temptation to pay back others for meanness or insults or to lose faith and quit. May all things, even our endurance, bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: If Job is so righteous, what Evidence of a Righteous Life does he have? What evidence do we have? Find out in our Next Lesson.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
Go to Home pagere-edited 1-11-22
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES