Job 22:5 “’Is not your wickedness great, And your iniquities without end?’”

HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULT

I have always had trouble figuring out exactly what verses in Job that were worthy to study. I know it is God’s Word and was inspired by Him through the writer. Some scholars believe it may be the oldest book of the Bible. I don’t know. But I do know that God would not have given us this book if He didn’t mean to teach us through it.

I realized something by reading this verse today. We are all like Job! So many times people judge us, just like Job’s friends, without knowing the background. They observe our external lives and make judgment calls based on what they see. Job’s friends took one look at him and reckoned him as guilty of something. They were frustrated and mad because they could not get him to repent. They had no idea of what was truly going on in the heavenlies.

TEACHING MOMENT

Our children can learn also to not be quick judges of people. When you pass that person on the street that is holding the sign asking for food or money, it is easy to judge. “Why don’t they get a job?” “Why don’t they just get cleaned up?” Our children will undoubtedly ask you such questions. How will you answer them?

If we are judgmental of those individuals, our children will learn to be the same. If we are merciful and explain that we do not know what led this person to be in this situation and that we need to be Jesus to them, then they will learn to be merciful.

Teach your children to be very slow to judgment. Teach them to get to know a person before they decide if they like them or not. You have heard the old saying “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, it’s true. You have to look inside to discover the truth. God loves everyone and longs to have them come to Him. Shouldn’t we be part of that plan also?