Job on Integrity
Finally , beginning in chapter 26 , Job has the chance to respond to his friends . In doing so , he addresses his integrity where he defends himself saying , “ I will not set aside my integrity ! 6a I will maintain my righteousness , and not let it go .” ( Job 27:5b ) Yet , in looking at this passage , we must ask , what in fact is integrity anyway ? In answer , it is the capacity to tell the truth in every circumstance , even in difficult times .
In this passage , immediately Job makes a declaration which not only caught my attention , but I think you will take notice of as well – “ May my enemy be like the wicked , my enemy like the unrighteous .” ( Job 27:7 ) The only way Job ’ s enemy could be like the wicked or unrighteous is if he , himself , is on the side of righteousness . Doesn ’ t this describe us all ? We want to stand with God , so that all our enemies are wicked and unrighteous , just like His enemies .
If Job was a man who had sinned ( as we all do ), how then does he maintain his integrity ? He does so by not compounding the problem with a hardened heart . He is quick to repent and endure with silence when confronted with difficulty . To understand this , let ’ s back up near the beginning of the story where Job ’ s wife was not particularly supportive stating , “... are you still holding firmly to your integrity ? Curse God and die !” ( Job 2:9 )
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But he responds honestly to her in the next verse , “ You speak as any foolish woman would speak . Should we accept the good from God and not accept the bad ? - Through all this Job did not sin with his lips .”
In the final chapter of his personal defense , Job “ throws down the gauntlet .” He does this by making many “ if-then ” statements . The form of his many statements goes like this … “ If I have done , then may this or that calamity be done to me .” In short , Job is testifying to his own innocence .
As with every biblical teaching , we must ask ourselves , “ What is God revealing about Himself to me at this time ?” First , God puts a premium on His people telling the truth . In turn , throughout Scripture , liars are counted as sinners . ( Rev . 21:8 )
We must continue to be quick to repent , for “ If we confess our sins , He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness .” ( 1 John 1:9 ) In this we can receive comfort in the fact that God has reserved judgment , so that we are not condemned . ( 1 Cor . 4:5 ) Finally , be prepared for the fact that Yeshua is coming , that we can cast our troubles on Him and be ensured that your enemies are His enemies .