SOC Would a wise man…fill his belly with the hot east wind (argue)… Job 15:1-9 (NIV) 1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2 Would a wise man answer with empty notions or fill his belly with the hot east wind? 3 Would he argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value? 4 But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. 5 Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you. 7 Are you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills? 8 Do you listen in on Gods council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself? 9 What do you know that we do not know? What insights do you have that we do not have? … Father Thank You for knowing each of your children intimately and knowing those that are apart from You also, seeking that they too might turn to you and walk in newness of light. In the pride of life, we seek to challenge and to show our wisdom, this was Eliphaz’s response, and I’ve heard some pretty far off sermons as to what was right in what he said, the problem is apparently the people who spoke didn’t read the end of the book in which God reproves all three of these wayward Prophets. All his words which could have been right in any number of lives was absolutely wrong in Job’s life. In this case the pot calling the kettle black as the saying goes. He chose to get into a heated argument instead of seek God’s face for wisdom and discernment in this horrific situation before him, many have gone to this place and like Eliphaz have been convicted of pride and arrogance and being absolutely out of God’s will. As you read these words, do you consider that Eliphaz is trying to encourage Job? Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen (Ro.1:22-25). O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen (Ro.11:33-36). For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent (1 Co.1:19). Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (1 Co.3:18-20). For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation [behavior, conduct] in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward (2 Co.1:12). Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Col.2:8). Father again, thank You for Your full counsel in all matters contained in Your word and way; let us seek Your wisdom and counsel from it as we offer peace to our brothers and sisters around us through You. I pray you are marveling at yourself and others around you doing life in accordance with His word and way, edifying others and encouraging them in the difficult times that they find themselves in. I loved what missionary and friend Harley Shields used to say, Id rather be a fool for Jesus than a fool for anyone or anything else.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:56:22 +0000
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