The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

JUDGED FALSELY BY OTHERS

It is impossible to know everything. But that does not stop many people from entering into conversations or casting accusations as if they do. That is exactly what Eliphaz did to Job. Eliphaz assumed that Job was suffering because Job was wicked — even though Job was suffering because God was in a contest with Satan. The Bible teaches as a general principle that the righteous will always experience God’s blessing and the wicked will always experience God’s judgment — the life of Job proves that this principle does not always hold true within the limited context of earthly life. Eliphaz accused Job of acquiring his wealth through greed and exploitation of the poor. Yet God’s own witness to Satan reveals to the reader that these charges were false (Job 1:8; 2:3). Eliphaz’s accusations were baseless; his only proof for Job’s alleged wickedness was Job’s suffering (Job 22:10 – 11).

All of this is a great reminder that people should hesitate to cast accusations — they may not have all the pertinent facts. Eliphaz’s approach to Job’s innocent sufferings foreshadows the manner in which the Pharisees would look at Jesus’ actions, even his miracles, and attribute them to Satan (Mt 12:22 – 28). On the surface, it looked like Eliphaz and the religious leaders could be right — but they did not know all the information. They judged, and they judged falsely. Jesus gave a warning that remains relevant today: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Mt 7:1).

Jesus, when I am tempted to judge others, to presume to know things I don’t know, please redirect me immediately. I know I am in no position to throw stones. Amen.