Highlights:
Bildad and Job debate the greatness of God (chap. 25 & 26). Job seems to be fighting a losing battle. Three chapters of mere words cannot defend or prove his innocence as long as God is silent (chap. 27 — 29). This is a true test from God.
Although Job had lost family, wealth, and health, and despite the accusations of his friends, he maintained his integrity. The Book of Job is the inspired Word of God. Job was not searching for answers when he said: Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. . . . neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. . . . Whence then cometh wisdom? . . . Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living (Job 28:12-13,15,20-21).
Job was never as concerned about knowing the answer to his problems as he was about having a right relationship with God. Unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (28:28). The more we truly humble ourselves and die to pride, the less we will be affected by the criticism of others.
Job was expressing his utmost confidence that God is the Author and Revealer of true wisdom. There is no substitute for reading all of His Word to understand His perfect plan for our lives. This means that it is important to read through every book of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, with a sincere desire to apply its instruction to our lives. We can be sure that Satan will attempt to distract us from the true source of wisdom and cause us to make decisions based on circumstances or contemporary standards.
The worldly-minded find fault with God, just as the Israelites did as they journeyed through the wilderness. They complained about their circumstances instead of acknowledging that God was in control. We too can make unwise decisions when we allow ourselves to become frustrated. To illustrate, we may say to someone: "You make me angry." But the fact is, we choose to be angry. Or we may say: "I am depressed today." However, the sad truth is that we have refused to see God in the circumstances He has allowed to take place in our lives. We can be sure that our Lord is far more concerned with our best interests than we are. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (I Pet. 4:19). We always have the choice to move above and beyond anger and disappointments by permitting the indwelling Christ to rule our lives. This is the key to experiencing the peace of God (Phil. 4:7). The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Ps. 119:130).
Thought for Today:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's compassion for others (Job 29:15-17,21-25). Jesus was moved to compassion when He saw great crowds in need of healing and feeding (Matt. 14:14; 15:30-39).
Word Studies:
27:22 fain flee =desire to flee; 29:14 diadem =turban.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Government Officials: Gov. James H. Douglas (VT), Rep. Dan Burton (IN), and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA) • Country: Nicaragua (5 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Limited religious freedom • 95% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His redeeming love (Rev. 5:9).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18