Ignorant Words (A Symptom Of Pride)

Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? [Job 38.1-2]

Here we have just one more confirmation that Job, regardless how righteous he was in what he said at first, did not retain that standing!

God accused Job of "ignorant words."

However, for the sake of grace and forgiveness, we need to consider Job 40.1-5:

Then the LORD said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Then Job replied to the LORD, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

Although Job was talking nonsense for most of what is recorded in the book of Job, he DID make some solid and accurate statements, namely, early in the story and then in the passage above after he is rebuked for his ignorant words.

That said, we will encounter confusion in understanding the book of Job if we take Job 1.22 (In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God) and Job 2.10b (So in all this, Job said nothing wrong) forward instead of 'up to this point.' In fact, Job was correct in his statements up to this point because God indeed controls everything (as was seen in His discourse with Satan). 

We all know that just because a person is good up to a certain point does not mean they will be good forever. This is exactly what we see in the life of Job. He went from saying "nothing wrong" to "ignorant words." 

For what it is worth, just because Job said nothing wrong does not assure us that his heart was right! If God is truly omniscient (and He is!), then God knew all along that Job harbored deadly pride in his heart. I find it acceptable that God spoke to Satan in guarded words about Job's uprightness because that was all Satan could see (not being able to know Job's heart). So, Satan lunged at the opportunity to destroy Job. He was probably thinking he had tricked God into unjustified punishment of Job. But it did not take long for Job to open his mouth and reveal symptoms of nasty pride and arrogance in his heart. Job's words quickly revealed why God would present him to Satan. Satan did NOT trick God, but was, once again, merely a minion of pure justice.

So, with this discussion in place, we can move on to what took place when Job was openly called to reckoning (by God) for his error. He repented. And, when Job repented, all was restored.

For the sake of argument though, Job was NOT restored in everything... In fact, Job lost his children. Yes, maybe he eventually had more, but he still permanently lost the original children mentioned in the story. I bring this up to say that sin leaves scars - we may be forgiven and restored, but still, there may be scars. And those scars may be permanent and ugly. The names of each of those children were likely burned on Job's memory forever as reminders of what his past pride and arrogance cost him.

Father, You know my heart. I confess that I don't. Although all who know me may think I am one thing or another, only You truly know me. Although I may think I know myself better than anyone else, still, You truly know me. You know my heart. Please address those ugly things only You can see and give me understanding to repent.