The second round of debates had ended. Many things were
dealt with. Job and his friends had discussed so exhaustively that Zophar, who
participated earlier, did not have anything to say. So after a pause, Job
summed up his defence. He seemed to be a little coherent here. What he said
here seemed to contradict what he said earlier in chapter 24. This has led some
to believe that part of this speech could be Zophar’s. But, we all know that Job
was greatly traumatized by his suffering. It would not be a surprize for
someone undergoing so huge a struggle not to be thinking as clearly as he
should. Hence, his thoughts seemed to be inconsistent. But remember that Job
was struggling to make sense of his predicament and dilemma.
In summary, we see Job insisting on his
innocence in verses 1-6. He maintained his blamelessness before God. Then in verses
7-23, he proceeded with a boring and monotonous description of the destruction
of the wicked people. He was taking a shot at his friends who were just as
insistent that he had sinned, and was to be named among the wicked. In Job’s discourse,
he pointed out that he was not among the wicked. Even if he should die, he
would maintain his innocence. And he was sure that his conscience would bear
witness to his innocence.
We must admit that even the greatest
of saints is subjected to stumbling and sin. Hence, there is a necessity to
remain unassuming and unpretentious in life. We may maintain our innocence but
do not cross indulge in self-exaltation. While we do not need to give in to
pressure to admit guilt, we must not be over bearing in our insistence. Instead
be prayerful, for the amount of time we engage in prayer will determine how
well we can hold on to our integrity in life.
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