Humility

Like Job, we need to learn humility and repent of being prideful.

“No one is so reckless that he dares to stir him; who then is he who opposes Me? Who has been first to give to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the entire heaven is Mine.”—Job 41:10–11 NASB

At times, Job seemed confident and even defiant, at other times, sorrowful or angry, puzzled or hurt. He certainly was full of questions. Why had his life become overrun with such misery?

Finally, Job had a personal encounter with God, and everything became clear. The Lord challenged him, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who rebukes God give an answer” (Job 40:1–2).

The Hebrew words here suggest that God felt Job had grappled with Him, reproved Him, or chastised Him. In addition to trying to justify himself, Job had actually tried to correct and convict the Lord!

Putting things into context for Job, God challenged him to think about the “Leviathan” (41:1). If he was tempted to lay his hand on him, he would “not do it again!” (41:8) If Job would not dare to stir up the Leviathan, how much less should he challenge God?

Convicted of how arrogant he had been, Job could do nothing but repent in “dust and ashes” (42:6).

How easily we can be like Job—questioning, complaining, doubting, and feeling defiant. Like Job, we need to humble ourselves before God and repent of pride.

Today, humble yourself and repent of any misguided pride, thinking you know better than God does. Give thanks for all He’s done for you. Honor Him. Show Him your appreciation.

Reflection Question: What happens when you act pridefully?