QT 7 Apr 16, Job 8:4; 9:1-3,32; Saying the right things is not the same as believing them

Job 8:4 (RSV)

4 If your children have sinned against him,

he has delivered them into the power of their transgression.

NOTE: This provides some insight into Job's children. Apparently, Bildad was quick to suggest that the death of the children might be related to their sin. It would explain Job's sacrifices after their feasts and also why the children did not sacrifice for their own sins.

Job 9:1–3 (RSV)

1 Then Job answered:

2 “Truly I know that it is so:

But how can a man be just before God?

3 If one wished to contend with him,

one could not answer him once in a thousand times.

NOTE: Job shows a surprising amount of insight at this point. He continues (in verses 9 and 10) and reasons that the things God does are beyond understanding. These are all the right answers, but they don't match up well with what God will correct him at the end. God challenges Job's wisdom and understanding. So, Job here says correctly what is right but is later challenged for beliefs that are very different. One has to wonder if Job believed the very things he says here or if he is saying what he thinks he should say.

Job 9:32 (RSV)

32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him,

that we should come to trial together.

NOTE: There is a progression here. At this point, Job dismisses the idea of a trial or discussion with God. It would not be fair (verse 34) because his rod would terrify Job. Yet later, Job forgets this whole conversation and argues, even demands an audience with God to prove him wrong.

APPLICATION: We can say all the right things, but do we really believe them in our heart? And how can we tell if we really do?