Words Without Knowledge

The Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” (Job 38:1-3, NIV 1984).

My Musings – “In all [his misfortunes], Job did not sin in what he said.” (Job 2:10, NIV 1984). But he complained. And God had heard enough. Here is a sample of how he confronted God.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!” (Job 38:4-5, NIV 1984).

“What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!” (Job 38:19-21, NIV 1984).

“Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” (Job 38:33, NIV 1984).

“Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” (Job 40:2, NIV 1984).

“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?” (Job 40:8, NIV 1984).

“Who then is able to stand against me? Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.” (Job 41:10-11, NIV 1984).

Wow! How would you respond to God, if you were even able to muster the courage? Here’s how “Job replied to the Lord: You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely, I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1, 3, 5-6, NIV 1984).

My Advice – The world is full of people today who “darkens [God’s] counsel with words without knowledge.” And one day “men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37, NIV 1984). If we must give account for “careless word,” think how much worse it will be for those who “contends with the Almighty,” who “accuses God,” who “discredit [His] justice,” or who “stand against [him].”

No one has a “claim against [God] that [He] must pay.” That’s what makes it so remarkable that He did pay. But only those who, like Job, repent and accept the price that He paid.