Job 18
Theme: The Dwellings Of The Wicked
Texts:
Job 18 : 20 – 21
…Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked and this is the place of him that knoweth not GOD
Supporting Scriptures
Proverbs 24:16
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”
Proverbs 4:19
The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.
Isaiah 48:22
There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked
Proverbs 24:19
Fret not thyself because of evil men, Neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; The candle of the wicked shall be put out.
It is amazing that the sarcastic words of Job’s friends reveal so much knowledge that we would not have had the privilege to unravel if not for Job’s predicament.
On the surface, it might appear as if his friends were all so very judgemental and unsympathetic to his plight. But if we are faced with the same situation, would we really be different? Seeing a friend reduced to the lowest from the highest pinnacle. His children killed, his business destroyed, his relations distanced, his wife, unloving, his health deplorable. He must have done something to bring it upon himself. As the proverb says, a curse causeless cannot arise. So even if they knew Job as very pious, they believed that GOD was too just to punish the innocent.The friends were baffled. The more they tried to make Job confess his guilt, the more Job kept insisting on his innocence. That prompted them to give us such details of the consequences of wickedness. Their words might not apply to Job but they are surely addressing generations over the years.
Bilhad made us realize that the wicked may have all the trappings of success like light, spark, candle, steps, counsel, strength, confidence, roots. All these attributes make the wicked assume that he can thrive in his ways and the righteous are left wondering why. But as Bilhad continued, he makes us realize that all these attributes will also be the downfall of the wicked because these attributes are corrupt and not pleasing to GOD. In the end( which time only GOD can determine), their lights and candle will be put off, their spark shall shine no more, their own counsel shall rope them in, their roots shall dry up, their confidence shall fail them. Bilhad took time to detail the processes of the dwellings of the wicked.
Reflections:
1. Let us check to ensure that all our attributes( light, strength, confidence, etc) are godly.
2. Do we know GOD? Anybody that does not know GOD is abiding in ‘the dwellings of the wicked”.
Prayer Points:
1. Dear LORD, help me to know you more. Draw me close to you at all times.
2. Dear LORD, keep me away from the wicked and help me not to trust in my righteous acts and lifestyle.
3. Dear LORD, grant me the grace to stay humble in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen
