You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
Job 29:24-25
24 If I laughed [sachaq] on them,
they believed ['aman] it not; and the light ['owr] of my countenance [paniym]
they cast not down [naphal].
25 I chose [bachar] out their way [derek], and sat [yashab] chief [ro'sh], and dwelt [shakan] as a
king [melek] in the army [gaduwd], as one that comforteth [nacham] the mourners ['abel]. KJV-Interlinear
24 'I smiled on them when they
did not believe, And the light of my face they did not cast down. 25 'I chose a way for them and sat as chief,
And dwelt as a king among the troops, As one who comforted the mourners. NASB
Whenever you have a conversation with many people, you
will never gain total agreement with everyone.
There will always be those who disagree with you. This is obvious with Jobs three friends.
But Job never let disagreement get him down. Job was confident in his position and
thinking whatever the subject. He would
gather the facts of a matter, make his interpretations, and then offer his
suggestions.
People were free to accept his counsel, or not accept
it.
And, even though he was held in high esteem by society
at large, as it were, sitting as a king or a general surrounded by his staff,
helpers, researchers, and so forth, Job never tried to enforce his views,
forcibly onto anyone.
His smiling here is a reference to not taking offense
at any opposition. Job was confident in
his views, and when opposing views were suggested, especially those, which he
knew were ludicrous, he still did not condescend to offering insults or
ridicule toward anyone.
Those with whom Job disagreed received polite respect,
and Job received from one and all, in return, respect in kind.
Not to say that there were not unscrupulous elements
within society, because there were. Job
was raided by thieves who stole his property and murdered his employees. But those raids were not specifically directed
at Job but were a part of roving gangs of thugs who happened upon his vast
wealth.
If you are extremely wealthy, then the wealth will
attract the attention of thieves sooner or later. They do not have to know the owner in order
to plot their deeds.
So, this chapter rounds out the description of Jobs
life, prior to his losses. He was
wealthy, successful, and respected by everyone who was acquainted with him.
But as we said, this was before his losses. People are fickle and superficial. When you are doing well, friends come out of
the woodwork. When you are on hard times,
then finding a friend is more difficult than your chances of winning the
lottery.
Now is the time to post a prayer.
End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
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