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CHAPTER 21 (ESV)

1 Then Job answered and said:

2 “Keep listening to my words,
and let this be your comfort.
3 Bear with me, and I will speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.
4 As for me, is my complaint against man?
Why should I not be impatient?
5 Look at me and be appalled,
and lay your hand over your mouth.
6 When I remember, I am dismayed,
and shuddering seizes my flesh.
7 Why do the wicked live,
reach old age, and grow mighty in power?

REFLECTION:

Regarding the fate of the wicked, Job and Zophar had very different views, and he refuted Zophar’s view that the wicked would never enjoy wealth and happiness. He pointed out that there were indeed many wicked people in the real world, who not only succeeded and became wealthy, but also enjoyed longevity. God treats everyone as He wants, and people cannot use their own experience to measure God’s Will. Although suffering for unknown reasons, Job still believed that God’s righteousness transcended his personal knowledge and experience. For Job’s friends, success is based on external appearances. For God, success is based on the qualities of life. The wicked seem to be at large in this life, but they will eventually face God’s righteous judgment. Today, no matter what happens in your life, you should not be angry with God and should continue to trust in Him. It is important to remember that it is not the rich or the poor that is important, but the quality of life that you manifest in different situations. May your faith in God be strengthened so that you know how to live rich and poor.

PRAYER:

God, many times I only look at people’s outward appearances and envy their wealth and achievements. However, to You, what matters more is the quality of a person’s life. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. Please help me not to focus on my own wealth or poverty, but to learn how to reflect Your quality of life in any circumstance. Please increase my faith, so I know how to handle abundance and how to handle poverty.

HYMN:

More Precious Than Silver – www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKmlrlzTHXY