Acting with complete integrity and honor is godly and of high value. Joe and I pray regularly for help to instill excellent character in our children. In fact, this week we reminded them that their relationship with God was far more important than doing well in all of this week’s swim and dive competitions.
Speaking of integrity and honor, Job had exceptional character. Yet, his friends quickly forgot. After Eliphaz’s ignorant speech in chapters 4-5, Job responded with a serious defense.
Job 6:14-15a, 21-24, 28-30
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend
forsakes the fear of
the Almighty.
15 But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent
streams,
21 Now you too have proved to be of no help;
you see something
dreadful and are afraid.
22 Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf,
pay a ransom for
me from your wealth,
23 deliver me from the hand of the enemy,
rescue me from the
clutches of the ruthless’?
24 “Teach me, and I will
be quiet;
show me where I have
been wrong.
28 “But now be so kind as to look at me.
Would I lie to your
face?
29 Relent, do not be unjust;
reconsider, for my
integrity is at stake.
30 Is there any wickedness on my lips?
Can my mouth not
discern malice?
Job called his friends undependable and unhelpful! Yes!!! Job had never taken advantage of them, lied or been unjust. In fact, from this passage, it seems he never even asked them for help. Yet, they didn’t defend his integrity and questioned his character.
It’s devastating when those closest to a
person question upright character. Humans are not all-knowing. Only God sees
and knows everything. He knew all about Job and knows all about you and me. Let’s
seek honorable character in God’s eyes, no matter what others perceive.
