Job 27
by Pastor David Groendyk

Rather than endure any more hot air, Job takes up a lengthy monologue that silences his three friends. Remember Bildad had been cut short in his third speech, and poor Zophar doesn’t even get to begin his third speech. The next few chapters are all related in that Job discusses things which are revealed by God and things which are hidden by God.

In verses 1–6, Job once again maintains his innocence as well as his integrity. He maintains that, contrary to all the other advice he’s received, this suffering of his is not due to any sort of wickedness in his life. He has been righteous, and he will continue to be righteous. What stands out in these verses is Job’s firm commitment not to curse God in the midst of his trials. In Job 2:3, God had spoken to Satan that Job “holds fast his integrity” despite the fact that Satan had stripped away all of his worldly possessions and loves. When Job’s wife challenges him for holding fast his integrity in the midst of their mourning (2:9–10), Job rebukes her and says, “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” Job refuses to sin against God with his lips by charging him with any wrongdoing. As long as he still has breath in his lungs, he will glorify God and proclaim his goodness, righteousness, and justice, even when his world is crashing down around him. How easy is it for us to take a day off, so to speak, in glorifying God and growing in holiness, especially when it’s been a hard day or week or season? How easy is it for us to hold bitterness in our hearts toward him? Rather, we’re called especially to hold fast our confession and integrity in the hard times, because it’s in those seasons that God is doing a great work in our hearts. We may look at Job and admire his continued faith and obedience, but the very same God and Holy Spirit working in Job has promised to be with you too. He promises increasing grace to you in your time of need, joy and strength in the Lord, and perseverance to the end.

In verses 7–23, Job fires back at his three friends. If what Job is saying is true and he is innocent through all of this, then those who are acting as his enemies should carefully consider how God is weighing their words. If Job is in the right, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar will be treated as wicked ones in God’s sight just as they were accusing Job. But here we have a much more sound evaluation of what happens to the wicked. Notice what Job says in verse 8: “For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life?” That should color the entire rest of the chapter. Job is not referring to what happens to the wicked on this earth but rather what happens to them after they die. Yes, the wicked may multiply their offspring, heap up silver, pile up clothing, build house after house, but terror will one day overtake them. As strong and secure and untouchable as the rich and powerful may seem as they oppose God and glorify themselves and oppress God’s people, there is no hope for them when they fall into the hands of God. In the midst of great trials and oppression, maintain your integrity, honor God, and leave the vengeance for him. He is the true Judge who will expose all evil and take care of it in the end.