Job 27:1-10

Moreover Job continued his parable.

Points in Job’s parable

I. A solemn asseveration. “As God liveth.” The words imply a belief--

1. In the reality of the Divine existence. Whilst some deny this fact, the bulk of the race practically ignore it.

2. In the awfulness of the Divine existence. There is a sublime awfulness in the words, “As God liveth.”

3. In the severity of the Divine existence. “Who hath taken away my judgment, and the Almighty who hath vexed my soul.” As nature has winter as well as summer, so God has a severe as well as a benign aspect.

4. In the nearness of the Divine existence. “The spirit of God is in my nostrils. His breath is my life.”

II. A noble determination. “My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me; my righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.” What does he determine?

1. Never to swerve from rectitude. “Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me; my righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go.” Whatever happens to me, I will not play the false, I will not be insincere. No one can rob me of my integrity.

2. Never to vindicate wickedness. Job has so many times alluded to the prosperity of the wicked that he is apprehensive he may be suspected of envying their lot, and wishing to be in their place. Great is the tendency of some men to vindicate wickedness in connection with wealth and worldly power.

III. A weighty reflection. “What is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him”? The writer reflects here upon the wicked men of wealth, and he concludes--

1. That in death they will have no hope.

2. That in trouble they will have no answer to their prayers or delight in God. Conclusion--

(1) The greatest reality outside of us. What is that? God. All else is shadow.

(2) The greatest worth inside of us. What is that? Virtue, or what is here called “integrity,” “righteousness.” (Homilist.)