Job 31:16-23

Many people today do not think that they should help poor people. And many people are only generous to their own friends and family. But the Bible teaches that we should be generous to other people also (Matthew 25:34-36). Paul explained that God will reward the giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

Job helped many poor people. He helped widows. He helped children who had nobody to look after them. He gave gifts to the poorest people.

Sometimes we can use our money to help people. But sometimes they do not need our money. So Job chose carefully how to help each person.

• Job was kind to the widows in verse 16.

• The child in verse 17 needed someone to look after him. Job acted as if he was that child’s father.

• The poor man in verse 19 was cold. Job gave him a good, warm coat.

• The child in verse 21 needed help in court. Job acted as his lawyer.

Job did all these things because he respected God. God had made Job rich. So Job shared his wealth with these other people.

Job’s attitude with regard to wealth

v24 I did not trust my wealth. I did not imagine that gold provided my security. v25 I was not proud because I was rich. I was not proud because of my success.