“Relent, do not be unjust…” Job 6:29a

(I’ve been moving since last Thursday and am only now able to have the time and energy to develop a vignette. I do hope you continue with me as we look into the life of Job. Thank you for your followship!)

After his unsuccessful efforts at receiving any kindness from his friends, Job appealed to their sense of justice, stating:

“…be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face? Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake. Is there any wickedness on my lips? Can my mouth not discern malice?” (vv. 29 – 30)

One’s reputation can be destroyed in an instant. One foolish action, a single careless decision, can follow one for her/his entire life – even among God’s people. People have a difficult time forgetting, much less, forgiving. Those who are able to forgive and forget are rare indeed, and are the strongest among those made in God’s image. Job knew and understood all too well that if his reputation was ruined by the mouths of his ‘friends’, he stood an even lesser chance of re-establishing his life and work.

To make a case for oneself, the best defense of one’s character is found in the observable evidence of one’s pattern of living. Job directed his friends to discover for themselves if he had spoken in wickedness or with malice toward God or man (see 1:11). Of course, they would have to speak to Job’s wife to discover the truth to Job’s statement. Job did not back down from his accusers… he knew all too well the horror of his life’s experience and how he had kept true to form in holy thought and practice.

So, how does this passage speak to us today? In the words of Thumper in the Disney movie, Bambi, “if ya can’t say nothin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all”. Justice represents God’s worldwide standard for how people should treat each other. If one is not endued with the grace of personal kindness, one should be ruled by a sense of justice – how all people should be treated. It’s best summed up by the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12).

Personally, I prefer simple kindness… it is immediately accessible and makes a bigger impact to the person in need of it. If one has to appeal for just treatment, the opportunity for gestures of kindness have been lost. In any case, God’s Word is directing us today to “Relent” – one letter different from “Repent”… directing us to change the direction of our behavior.

Have a blessed day…