Sarcasm

“You people really know everything, don’t you? And when you die, wisdom will die with you! Well, I know a few things myself—and you’re no better than I am. Who doesn’t know these things you’ve been saying? [Job 12.1-2]

I've been in an argument or two myself... I recognize sarcasm when I see it! Job's response here is pure sarcasm.

Because I am acquainted with arguing, I can say from experience that once sarcasm has presented itself, there is little hope of productive conversation, discussion, challenge, or constructive criticism from that point forward.

It seems to me the basis for understanding the book of Job begins at the end of the story when Job is rebuked by God and challenged to repent. My thinking is that if we cannot discern where the story is going in the midst of it, at least we can see how it turns out and work backwards from there. The fact that Job had to repent in the end makes me confident to say that Job's sarcasm could certainly have contributed to his ultimate need to repent.

In fact, Job's required repentance (by God) reveals much about the entire story of Job - even beginning with the mysterious conversation between God and Satan at the beginning of the story! Does a truly righteous man engage is such proud and sarcastic conversation as we hear from Job today? I think not!

Father, help me to learn more about Job with each reading of his story. Help me to remain mindful of Job's ultimate need to repent in whatever conclusions I come to. Help me to understand how Job's story can help me when being challenged about what I believe. Help me stay away from sarcasm.