Our congregational daily Bible reading this past week was (Job 28-32). Job continues to defend himself in chapter 31. Towards the end of his personal defense (Job 31:25) he says, “Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me!”

Job wished God was listening to his requests. What Job did not realize was that God had heard all his petitions. Job would soon hear from God, but it would not be what he expected. When Job speaks of his “signature” he is referring to his “Defense.” He had made a defense of himself when his three friends attacked him and blamed his suffering because of sinful behavior. They were wrong about that (Job 42:7). It also seems that he had made a defense of himself against God. Job didn’t have all the facts with respect to his suffering.

In Chapters 29-31, Job went down memory lane. He reflected about how good life used to be. We can often do that when suffering hits and our lives change for the worse.

While Job didn’t have all the facts, I want to consider some thoughts we can take away from the defense he made. Job had lived a righteous life. In chapters 29 and 31, we learn more about this man’s righteous life. Like Job, we should strive to live godly lives. It doesn’t necessarily mean that we will never suffer. Whether we do or not, we want to give glory to God.

Let’s consider the character of Job and how he lived.

  • “When my steps were bathed in butter, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil” (Job 29:6). Job was extremely blessed, and he knew it! Let’s consider the great blessings we have.
  • “When I went out to the gate of the city, when I took my seat in the square, the young men saw me and hid themselves, and the old men arose and stood” (Job 29:7-8). Job was well respected by others. He had a good reputation being a man of wisdom. Let us live in such a way that we can influence others for good.
  • “I was a father to the needy, and I investigated the case which I did not know” (Job 29:16). Job helped others. We are called to do the same.
  • “If I have put my confidence in gold, and called fine gold my trust…” (Job 31:24). Job argues he has not put his trust in gold or money. Rather, his trust had always been in God. That is where our trust must reside as well. Even when we find ourselves in the middle of suffering.

If you haven’t already, read Chapters 29 and 31. What other positive qualities of Job can you find? While Job was wrong about some things, he was right about many things. He was right in following God. He was right in seeking to give glory in His life. He was right remaining with the Lord. Let us walk in the same manner and be like Job!