THE HONORABLE MAN JOB 31

Job 31 Proverbs 31 describes the worthy woman Job 31 describes the honorable man Job is defending his integrity against the accusations of his friends The only reason they thought he sinned was because he was suffering horribly Job knew he hadnt done wrong He knew he had to defend his character

Job Describes His Character Job has already defended his character 9:21 He challenged his friends to tell him what he did wrong 6:24-30 Job never claimed perfection 14:17 He just thought he didnt do anything to deserve what he was getting Eliphaz did attempt to make some specific charges but had no proof 22:4-11

Job Describes His Character He made a covenant with his eyes not to look upon a young woman v.1 He intended not to David failed to do that 2 Samuel 11:2-3 Matthew 5:27-30 Lust of the eye is a powerful attraction Proverbs 23:31, 1 John 2:16 Women can help by dressing modestly 1 Timothy 2:9

Job Describes His Character He recognized Gods standard to live by v.7 He knew not to waver from it Not to the left or right Deuteronomy 4:2 Not to go beyond 2 John 9; 1 Cor. 4:6 Not to fall short Rom. 3:23, Colossians 3:17 Whoever changes Gods word is accursed Galatians 1:6-9 Revelation 22:18-19

Job Describes His Character He didnt let himself be deceived by a woman He did not look for opportunity to sin v.9 He guarded his heart and avoided situations that would create temptations Prov. 4:23-27 How can you trust someone who breaks his or her marriage vows? No integrity = no trust = no unity No integrity = no stability = no progress

Job Describes His Character Job recognized the equality of men v He listened to his servants grievances He treated them with respect Why? Because God is the Creator of them and him People are created in Gods image Gen. 1:27 We should respect every person for Gods sake Proverbs 17:5

Job Describes His Character Job helped the needy v.16-23; For the same reason: they are in Gods image He shared his blessings which came from God 1 John 3:16-17 Matthew 25:41-46 Galatians 1:10 James 1:27

Job Describes His Character Job was wealthy, but he was not materialistic v He was not proud Luke 12:15-21 He did not trust in his riches 1 Timothy 6:17 These two attitudes make covetousness a powerful temptation 1 Timothy 6:10 Covetousness is idolatry Colossians 3:5 This is why Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor Luke 18:22

Job Describes His Character Job did not worship Gods creation He worshiped God only v To worship or trust in anything else is to deny God what is rightfully His Idolatry is worshipping man-made objects It is also worshipping God-made objects Our hope, our security, our first love, our basis of esteem, our primary goal, whatever it is, is our god

Job Describes His Character Job did not rejoice in bad things happening to his enemies v He would not sin by cursing them He did not seek revenge Romans 12:17-21 He did not hold a grudge 1 Cor. 13:6 God loved us while we were His enemies Romans 5:6-8 We should be like of God Matthew 5:44-48

Job Describes His Character Job kept his integrity v Integrity is doing right when no one is looking He didnt sin secretly and try to cover it up 2 Samuel 11 He didnt cave in to the crowd Exodus 23:2 He stood up for what was right even if everyone else did not That is the courage we are to add to our faith 2 Peter 1:5

Job Describes His Character Job was honest in his business dealings His gain was not because of someone elses loss He did not profit from his land dishonestly Do you enjoy the benefits of things you havent earned? If it is a gift from someone who has the right to give it, that is fine Salvation is Gods gift to us Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-5