In yesterday’s reading Job went on the offensive, though not against his human friends. He accuses God of neglect, asking, “Why are not times of judgment kept by the Almighty, and why do those who know Him never see His days? Some move landmarks, they seize flocks…they thrust the poor off the road… Meanwhile like wild donkeys in the desert the poor go out to their toil, seeking game…they lie all night naked, without clothing…hungry, they carry sheaves…

Now after an opening retort from Bildad, Job’s friends are silent today. But what Bildad says in his very brief statement is provocative: “Behold, even the moon is not bright, and the stars are not pure in [God’s] eyes; how much less man, who is a maggot, and the son of man, who is a worm?”

Consider whether Bildad’s witness is credible: “How can a man…who is a maggot…be right before God?” Remember that Bildad and his companions are representing the wisdom of the ancient world – it may or may not represent the LORD’s wisdom. Remember that Job keeps pushing the question of God’s justice before them even as they demand validation through Job’s confession of hidden iniquity. Remember what Job knows; what his friends know; and what you know, from the initial chapters.

Listen then as Job is again aggressive: he “will teach you concerning the hand of God,” before whom the underworld stands naked; who stills the sea and shatters the forces of chaos. He knows the cosmos bows to Him, he knows what becomes of the wicked in God’s courts and he, Job, knows that he stands in righteousness, “and will not let it go.”

He also knows where wisdom can be found and will share the secret with his friends, and with us. In a passage that could stand on its own outside of the story, chapter 28 settles around the question, “Where can 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.” Meditate on this investigation and consider its inspired worth. Who, and only who, knows the way to wisdom?

Our verse for this week is Luke 16:13: No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Job 25 through 30. Now let’s read it!

Day 272 Guided Podcast