Today I read Job 30 and 31, which is the end of Job’s last speech. Job says he went from being respected to being mocked. Job has done nothing wrong and is ready to defend himself. Today I considered that we only see things from our perspective, but can pray to get God’s guidance.
Job Recounts Being Mocked and Reinforces His Innocence
Job talks about how he went from being honored to mocked but states again he has done nothing wrong and can defend his actions (Job 30:1- 31:40). Job says they no longer listen to him. Young, wild, vile people that were driven from town now mock, trip, and abuse him. Job now suffers day and night. Job says God is not answering his cry for help; he was able to climb high but now has been knocked down. Job asks what did he do for this to happen to him. Job has helped people and cared about the poor but it didn’t help his situation. Job now has stomach problems, is hot all over, and plays mourning or sad music. Job doesn’t even look at other women, has been honest, and stayed on the right path. Job says if he sinned, let others receive his portion. Job has not cheated on his wife, has not mistreated his servants, has not withheld help from the poor and widow, and has not harmed the orphan. Job was not caught up in his wealth and did not worship the sun or the moon. Job did not rejoice over his enemies and rivals downfall. He did take care of strangers. Job wishes God would answer him. Job is ready to defend any accusation against him, even if the earth accuses him.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Job repeatedly talks about what he is going through, not seeing how he could have sinned, and repeating his innocence. He is saying everything from his perspective, not know what God is doing or thinking. We all face things in life and look at it from our perspective and personal experience, which is limited. The best choice is to pray and let God guide you.
Have you ever asked God to help you understand a situation and you saw everything in a completely different light?