I.
|
GOD'S 4-FOLD CHARACTER REFERENCE:
JOB 1:1; 1:8; 2:3
|
|
A.
|
"PERFECT" = tam in Hebrew, meaning, "plain, complete, healthy."
See usage in:
|
|
1.
|
Gen.6:9 - Noah a "PERFECT" man.
|
|
2.
|
Ps.37:37 - The "PERFECT" man to be noted for own understanding and benefit.
Psalm 37 should be studied in its entirety for knowledge of the characteristics of the
"PERFECT" man. Keep in mind that God's idea of man's
perfection is not as man's -- sinless, but that his heart is whole and his life is directed toward righteousness.
So, while we are being conformed to the image of Christ to one day be made complete in Heavenly sinless perfection,
we are to keep our Earthly selves whole, or "PERFECT,"
as He sees us. Though man's body may not have victory over every fleshly sin, his heart, however, may be kept pure before God.
Ps.37:23-24 (See James 1 for an enlightening study in comparison,
a portrait of the perfect man in the eyes of God.)
|
|
B.
|
"UPRIGHT" = yashar in Hebrew meaning:
straight, honest (with self and dealings with all others).
See usage in:
|
|
1.
|
II Chr.29:34 - Levites more "UPRIGHT" in heart.
Study I Chr.15:11-15; Nu.4:15; I Sam.6:3-11.
|
|
2.
|
Ps.64:9-10 - The righteous glad & "UPRIGHT" glory.
|
|
C.
|
"FEARED" = yare in Hebrew meaning: fearing, reverencing.
See usage in:
Ps.15:4; 25:14; 31:19; 33:18; 34:7; 145:18-19; 147:11; Ecc.8:12-13.
"Who shall abide in the Tabernacle of the Lord?"
|
|
D.
|
"ESCHEWED" = sur in Hebrew meaning: to turn aside from.
Found only 3 times in Old Testament (our text), & one in New Testament, I Pe.3:11.
See also: I Pe.3:8-18.
|
II.
|
FALSE ASSUMPTIONS OF JOB'S 3 FRIENDS.
|
|
The following are incorrect assumptions made by Job's friends. Upon close examination, though stated differently, they are similar.
|
|
A.
|
ELIPHAZ - Suffering is always God's punishment only upon the wicked, therefore, the righteous never suffer.
|
|
B.
|
BILDAD - Evil comes upon a man because of his own sin (8:4);
prosperity is always given to the righteous (8:6).
|
|
C.
|
ZOPHAR - Suffering always comes to the sinful, blessings to those who repent.
|
