Job 23:10

JOB'S UTMOST CONFIDENCE IN HIS OWN INTEGRITY

"But he knoweth the way that I take;

When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

My foot has held fast to his steps;

His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips;

I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him?

And what his soul desireth, that he doeth.

For he performed that which is appointed for me:

And many such things are with him.

Therefore am I terrified at his presence;

When I consider, I am afraid of him.

For God hath made my heart faint,

And the Almighty hath terrified me;

Because I was not cut off before the darkness,

Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face."

Job's absolute confidence in his uprightness, integrity, and faithfulness to God appears in every line of this. Some of the expressions here elude us, as to their exact meaning; but as Kelly noted, "This chapter, and from here to the end of Job, there are difficulties for translators. The Hebrew text is often uncertain."[3]

"In this chapter, Job's confidence in his vindication appears firmer than ever."[4]

"I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Where was there ever any greater certainty than this? In view of the epic nature of Job's great trial, it is amazing, even yet that he held to this confidence.

"I have not gone back from his commandment" (Job 23:12). In every dispensation of God's grace, there is constant emphasis upon God's commandments. Not even the blessed grace of the New Dispensation has removed obedience as a prerequisite of eternal life. The Head of our Holy Religion said, "If thou wouldest enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS" (Matthew 19:17). The present-day Christian should beware of the current bombardment by Satan to the effect that, "The grace of God alone saves us; obedience is not necessary."

"When I consider, I am afraid of Him" (Job 23:15). It is only the fool who is unafraid of God. "The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)."