Job 23:10

DISCOURSE: 474
THE UPRIGHT PERSON’S COMFORT UNDER AFFLICTIONS

Job 23:10. He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

THE superior happiness of the godly above that of the ungodly is not so manifest in a season of prosperity as under circumstances of deep affliction. The world can rejoice in their portion as long as their pleasures are uninterrupted by bitter reflections or painful dispensations: but in trouble they have no refuge. The righteous, on the contrary, have less of thoughtless gaiety; but in time of trouble they find abundant consolations. No man was ever beset with a greater complication of trials than Job; all of which were beyond measure heightened by the uncharitable censures of his friends: but still he found an inward support by reflecting upon,

I. His conscious integrity—

It is characteristic of God’s children, that they are all upright before God—
[As there is a very considerable difference in the attainments of different men with respect to bodily strength and intellectual powers, notwithstanding all possess the same members and enjoy the same faculties, so is there with respect to piety also, notwithstanding all are upright in heart. From the very instant that a person is converted to God, he must of necessity hate sin, and long after a conformity to God’s image: he cannot commit sin [Note: 1 John 3:9.]; he must be, according to the measure of grace given him, “an Israelite indeed, and without allowed guile.” Nor does humility require us to confess ourselves hypocrites (wilful hypocrites, I mean) when God has quickened us by his Spirit; for it is not humility, but ingratitude and falsehood, to deny the work which God has wrought in us. Many of God’s most eminent saints have spoken of their own integrity and rejoiced in it, and even pleaded it before God [Note: Psalms 17:2; 2 Kings 20:3.]. And we also, by “proving every one of us our own work, may have rejoicing in ourselves, and not in another [Note: Galatians 6:4.].”]

A consciousness of their own integrity is a rich source of consolation to them in a trying hour—
[There are times and seasons when almost all the other springs of comfort seem dried up: sometimes it may be painful even to reflect upon God [Note: Psalms 77:3.]. Job acknowledges in the context, that God’s “presence was a trouble to him:” but knowing that God was acquainted with his heart, he could yet appeal to him respecting his own integrity: and from this source he derived a pleasing satisfaction, an encouraging hope. St. Paul, under a daily and hourly expectation of martyrdom, experienced much joy in the same thought [Note: 2 Corinthians 1:8.]: nor shall we find it a small consolation to us, under any trials we may be called to endure.]

But Job found a yet further consolation in reflecting upon,

II.

The expected issue of his trials—

Though he was at present in as hot a furnace as he could possibly endure, yet he believed that he was put into it by a skilful Refiner, for the purifying of his soul from dross—
[They who are truly upright, learn to view the hand of God both in their comforts and their troubles: they know that affliction comes not by chance, but from the hand of Him who directs every thing with consummate wisdom. The ungodly look no further than to second causes; and therefore yield to murmuring and impatience whenever they receive evil from the hand of their fellow-creatures: but the godly are persuaded that their portion, whatever it be, is mixed for them by God himself, and that it is intended “to purge away their iniquity,” that they may be partakers of his holiness [Note: Psalms 39:9; Isaiah 27:9; Hebrews 12:10.]. This was evidently the view which Job had of troubles, notwithstanding they sprang from such various sources.]

An expectation of the benefit reconciled him to the means used for his good—
[No one can love trouble on its own account; since it is “never joyous, but grievous.” But sanctification is the highest wish of the upright soul: it is regarded as a pearl that cannot be purchased at too high a price. Trials, however painful, are welcomed, if they may but be the means of promoting this blessed end. Many have even dreaded the removal of them, lest with them they should lose also the benefits flowing from them. And, if we could have viewed the afflictions of Job in their true light, we should have preferred his condition when upon the dunghill far before that of his censorious friends. He was enabled to look forward to the end; and the event fully justified his expectations.]

Address,
1.

Those who are in the furnace of affliction—

[Look above all second causes, and see God appointing the nature, measure, and duration of all your trials [Note: 2 Samuel 16:10.]. “He brings the third part through the fire;” and appoints tribulation as your way to the kingdom. Let him accomplish his own will in his own way; and “what ye know not now, ye shall know hereafter.”]

2. Those who have been delivered from their troubles—

[When you were bowed down under the load of your afflictions, you probably thought how differently you would live if God should hear your prayers, and deliver you. Now then remember the vows that are upon you [Note: Psalms 66:10; Psalms 116:1.]. Provoke him not to visit you with yet heavier afflictions. As clouds succeed the rain, so do troubles come in succession while we are in this vale of tears. Endeavour then so to improve the past, that future troubles may find you better prepared for their reception, and every dispensation fit you for your eternal rest.]

3. Those who have never yet experienced any particular trials—

[A little outward religion will satisfy you in a state of case and prosperity. But that will not be found sufficient in a time of trouble. The fire will try what your attainments are. Now therefore be in earnest about the work of salvation, that when affliction comes, it may be mitigated by the consolations of an upright mind, and not be aggravated by the accusations of a guilty conscience.]