“…I had influence in court…” Job 31:21b

Yesterday, I began reviewing the ‘proofs’ of Job’s integrity. There are actually eleven proofs, when including the first proof of Job’s covenant with his eyes. I apologize for miscounting. So, we actually saw the first FIVE proofs yesterday. As we continue with our discovery, we move to the next three proofs:

6. “If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless – but from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my birth I guided the widow – if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment, and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep; if I have raised my hand against the fatherless knowing that I had influence in court…”.

This lengthy positional statement concerning widows and orphans was Job’s way of declaring the charity of heart he practiced from birth! What Job was saying is that, as long as he could remember, it was his nature to be merciful and sympathetic to the plight of those less fortunate than himself.

Job then declared that if anyone listening could prove his guilt in any of the possibilities mentioned, it would be so offensive that the only punishment fit for him would be that his arm be broken-off from his shoulder (vv. 21 – 23). Often an orphan’s or widow’s only hope is found in the courts… especially where there is a lack of any legal documents specifying the conveyance of property. As a village leader, Job had influence in court to see that widows and orphans were properly cared for; otherwise their lives held little promise, and would very likely end up on the streets as beggars. The leap is not a long one from begging to prostitution and thievery. Taking care of widows and orphans didn’t just elevate Job in the eyes of the people, it solved a community atrocity before it ever happened. What was Job’s real motivation for such? His fear of God (v.23).

7. “If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage…” (vv. 24 – 27).

These possibilities posed by Job all deal with the center of his worship. He is declaring that he never bowed in subjection to wealth, the sun or the moon. He was stating his complete faith always rested in The Almighty One Who made heaven and earth. Had he transgressed God in any of the above, he recognized they would be sins to rightfully judge him unfaithful to God (v.28).

8. “If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him…” (v.29).

This speculation deals with a heart so darkened as to rejoice in the infirmities of others, namely one’s enemies. It echoes the teaching of our Messiah, Who instructed that we love our enemies and to pray for those by whom we are persecuted (read Matthew 5:43 – 45). Job made it clear that he had not allowed his mouth to sin by invoking any curse against his enemies (v.30).

One does not have to be a lawyer or judge to have influence in a court of law. In fact, being a witness or jury member can often be the influence making the difference. As people of truth, we offer a higher perspective within the courtroom or jury chambers.

The first two commandments in the decalogue deal with the focus of one’s worship, making Job’s seventh proof either a prequel to them or an apt commentary to their worth. Having no other Gods before us requires constant self-inspection and intentional living. There is only room for one God in our hearts… and all the confederates simply don’t fit.

Job’s eighth proof places the microscope upon one’s authenticity, forcing every Believer to consider the implications of one’s piety upon one’s prejudice. Every person who has ever faced a formidable foe knows all too well the hurdle of overcoming the wall of bias once the battle has ended. Job took it a step further: it wasn’t just about shaking hands and congratulating one on a victory; the light of love exposed the darkness of any wanton curse one may secretly hold against one’s enemy. Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies is not to be taken with a wink and a nod… it is to be lived out intentionally through bridge-building and nurturing
mutual respect – not an easy thing to do, as our emotions get so much in the way.

How is this passage working on us today? We are to be truth seekers, standing in the gap for those wrongfully prosecuted. It takes courage and faith – an authentic faith with no room in the heart for any other but the Lord Almighty. It is by that same faith practice we are to allow The Almighty to transform our broken hearts to make room for those who have offended us. We are to be the only Jesus they may ever see.

Have a blessed day…