Job Explains How He is Righteous

Job 27:1–23
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This chapter can be described as the hopelessness of the godless, apart from forgiveness.

1. Job takes an oath (vv. 1-6). He repeated his charge that God was not treating him fairly (v. 2). He asked God to declare the charges against him, but the heavens had been silent. Job declared that as long as he lived, he would defend himself and maintain his integrity (v. 5). In the midst of accusations he was declaring that his conscience was clear (v. 6). Only God’s forgiveness and the determination to live rightly before God can bring a clear conscience.
2. Job utters a curse (vv. 7-10). It was not enough for Job to affirm his innocence, but he also felt compelled to call down the wrath of God on his accusers. Job’s words sound cruel, especially in light of what we are taught about forgiving our enemies (Matt. 5:38-48).
3. Job teaches a lesson (vv. 11-23). He says “I will teach you about the power of God.” He goes on to describe God’s judgment of the wicked. He says they will die, and their widows will mourn for them as they are slain by the sword or by a plague (vv. 11-14). Job agreed with his friends that the end of the wicked will be disaster, but he did not agree that he was wicked and deserving of punishment. He says the wicked will lie down rich and wake up poor (v. 19). Their death will not be peaceful. If they try to flee, the storm will follow them and destroy them (vv. 20-21).

Application

The book of Job reaches right down where we live, into the very center of our lives. His friends have not led him to self-judgment but instead to a spirit of self-defense. One of the purposes of trouble in my life is to lead me into a brokenness of spirit before God. Like Job, I can’t claim a sinless life. I can only claim a forgiven life because my penalty for sin was paid.