Job 25 - 28
The conversation has degenerated to the point where Bildad simply repeats his earlier theology, but very briefly (Job 25:1-6). Job responds by observing that God is exalted and incomparable (Job 26:5-14). Why should Job argue with the “wisdom” of men when he longs for a hearing with God Himself?
Dissatisfied with his friends’ words, Job passionately continues to argue his position: “As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter… Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me” (Job 27:2, 5). He is in complete agreement with the truth that the wicked will receive what is due from his wickedness (Job 27:8-23). But Job is not that wicked man; instead, those who oppose and judge his integrity are wicked: “Let my enemy be as the wicked, and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous” (Job 27:7). No wonder his friends won’t continue to argue with him! Who wants to receive Job’s curse in 27:8-23 for doubting his integrity?
In his famous description in chapter 28, Job exalts God’s wisdom. While humankind’s technology can produce wonders and obtain riches (Job 28:1-11), it can’t find wisdom: “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living” (Job 28:12-13). “God understands the way to it, and he knows its place” (Job 28:23). “Then he saw it and declared it; he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding’ (Job 28:27-28). No wonder Job is not satisfied with his friends’ human-based wisdom! But will Yahweh respond to his request to speak with him?
Dissatisfied with his friends’ words, Job passionately continues to argue his position: “As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter… Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me” (Job 27:2, 5). He is in complete agreement with the truth that the wicked will receive what is due from his wickedness (Job 27:8-23). But Job is not that wicked man; instead, those who oppose and judge his integrity are wicked: “Let my enemy be as the wicked, and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous” (Job 27:7). No wonder his friends won’t continue to argue with him! Who wants to receive Job’s curse in 27:8-23 for doubting his integrity?
In his famous description in chapter 28, Job exalts God’s wisdom. While humankind’s technology can produce wonders and obtain riches (Job 28:1-11), it can’t find wisdom: “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living” (Job 28:12-13). “God understands the way to it, and he knows its place” (Job 28:23). “Then he saw it and declared it; he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding’ (Job 28:27-28). No wonder Job is not satisfied with his friends’ human-based wisdom! But will Yahweh respond to his request to speak with him?