A Powerful Statement (that wasn't true)

I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live. [Job 27.6]

Interesting.

Did you ever say something that proved simply to be untrue and unsustainable?

Job did right here. And he did it with a powerful statement.

How do I know? Because later Job repented...

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.” [Job 40.3-5]

Job made quite a boastful claim in Job 27.6, but we see in Job 40 that he changed his tune significantly!

I suppose all of us have made some claims along the journey of our lives that were unsubstantiated. I think Job's words in 40.3-5 serve as a perfect example for us to live by - and it has to do with keeping our mouths shut. And, that starts with humility.

Solomon knew a thing or two about this:

Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. [Ecclesiastes 5.2]

In the New Testament, James said it like this:

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. [James 1.19]

Between Solomon's and James' advice, we can see that Job and his three friends would have done well to have continued to sit in silence (at least a little longer)!

Father, help me to be very careful about what I say regarding my own righteousness and integrity.