20240622

proverbs of ash

Job 13:1-28 (JDV)

Job 13:1 Note, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood it.
Job 13:2 Everything you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
Job 13:3 Yet I prefer to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.
Job 13:4 You use lies like plaster; you are all worthless doctors.
Job 13:5 If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!
Job 13:6 Hear now my argument and listen to my defense.
Job 13:7 Should you keep testifying unjustly on God’s behalf or speaking deceitfully for him?
Job 13:8 Should you show partiality to him or argue the case in his defense?
Job 13:9 Would it go well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you would deceive a mortal?
Job 13:10 Surely, he would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.
Job 13:11 Would God’s majesty not terrify you? Would his dread not fall on you?
Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash; your defences are made of clay.
Job 13:13 Be quiet, and I will speak. Let whatever comes happen to me.
Job 13:14 I will put my flesh in my teeth and take my throat in my own hands.
Job 13:15 Even if he kills me, I will put my hope in him. I will still defend my ways before him.
Job 13:16 Yes, this will result in my deliverance, for no godless person can appear before him.
Job 13:17 Pay close attention to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.
Job 13:18 Now then, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right.
Job 13:19 Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.
Job 13:20 Only grant these two things to me, God, so that I will not have to hide from your presence:
Job 13:21 remove your hand from me, and do not let your terror frighten me.
Job 13:22 Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you can respond to me.
Job 13:23 How many iniquities and sins have I committed? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
Job 13:24 Why are you hiding your face and considering me your enemy?
Job 13:25 Will you frighten a wind-driven leaf? Will you chase after dry straw?
Job 13:26 Because you record bitter accusations against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
Job 13:27 You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths, setting a limit for the soles of my feet.
Job 13:28 And he wears out like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.

proverbs of ash

Job told his attending friends that their maxims were proverbs of ash. They look good on paper, but that is all they are good for. Reality is seldom as simple as a choice between a and b. Reality jumps up and confronts our preconceived principles. Job was a reminder to the world that conventional wisdom does not always work. God is sovereign, and he is free to perform miracles or withhold them. He does not work on our schedule.

LORD, forgive us for our simple expectations. Teach us to trust you when we cannot figure you out.