CHAPTER 4 - LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND MISPLACED PRAISE

I currently share the opinion that Job’s chief problem during his affliction was that of misplaced praise. Job mentions repeatedly that he did not know what to do and in this ignorance he fell back on all he did know with certainty. Job knew that he lived upright before God and God had blessed him immensely, this is confirmed in Job chapter 1. Job’s major problem was ignorance of God’s Ways. I believe we have all been guilty of that from time to time. The reason that answer is hidden from most men is because ignorance is not a sin but rather a condition of soul. Now we will look at some supporting scripture evidence. First we will ask the question, “was Job confused in the mouth of two or three witnesses?”

Job 9:1-4 (Job speaks)
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? KJV

And

Job 9:32-35 (Job speaks)
32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me. KJV

And

Job 10:12-15 (Job speaks)
12 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.
13 And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee.
14 If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.
15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction; KJV

Darkness is referred to as a form of confusion due to the absence of light in the book of Job. Notice the following verses:

Job 10:19-22 (Job speaks)
19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
21 Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;
22 A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. KJV

and

Job 37:19-23 (Elihu speaks)
19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20 Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21 And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22 Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. KJV

Remembering that there was no Holy Bible, nor Torah, nor Law, or any other document that we refer to in this day during the time of Job. I would say, yes, Job had every right to be ignorant concerning some of the things of God. Thus, ignorance breeds confusion and confusion is a work of the devil according to 1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. KJV

Without proper knowledge of God destruction can take place according to Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. KJV

This lack of knowledge can be disastrous in two ways;

For one, we won’t know how to keep the enemy from attacking us at will.

Secondly, will we not know how to resist an attack from the evil one when it does occur.

We can clearly see that Job brings out a lot of questions about God’s existence and man’s dealing with God upon the earth. Job was attempting to figure God out during a time of testing this my friends is the worst thing a believer can do. A test is never intended for you to find your God, the heathen think this way. The wicked men and their religious doctrines of knowing God better through suffering are very erroneous. We can see from reading the book of Job that Job was searching for answers and his three friends were trying to help him find his answers according to their interpretation of God. This did not work according to Job 42:7

And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. KJV

Actually we see that Job’s interpretation of God was more correct than his three friends. However the fourth friend for some reason is often over looked by many bible teachers. His assessment of the situation is the most accurate and enlightening. I speak of Elihu, Elihu had God’s heart and gave place to God’s goodness. This speaking of truth with the right heart allowed God (The Lord) to manifest because the Lord always confirms His words by works or we could say with signs following according to Mark 16:19,20. The key to Job’s understanding was initiated by Elihu and confirmed by God Almighty. First Elihu spoke with the right spirit he tried to mediate between God and man, instead of Man judging man in the name of the Lord. Elihu looked at Job in the light of God’s glory (mercy included) and people always look better when we focus on God’s Goodness first. We see this in some of the verses below:

Job 32:3 (Elihu wrath against Job three friends)
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. KJV

And

Job 33:5-7 (Elihu speaks to Job)
5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. KJV

And

Job 32:12-14
12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. KJV

People need knowledge to overcome the attacks of the devil without accurate knowledge we are left to our own devices which proves to be very futile and awfully frustrating.

Elihu quickly indentifies Jobs sin

Job 32:2 (Elihu speaks to Job’s three friends)
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. KJV

Job’s first major sin was justifying himself apart from God.

Job 33:8-12 (Elihu speaks to Job)
8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.
12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. KJV

Job 34:4-12 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. KJV

These scriptures clearly and cleverly point out two sins of Job, the first justifying oneself apart from God and the second rebellion against God. The minute we start questioning God’s goodness and wisdom in the light of our current circumstances we are doubting God’s character and integrity. To say or in anyway imply that God is evil or unjust is flat out wrong, for this is what the ungodly men boast. We must realize as Christians that you don’t need to be in sin for trials to come but we can very easily sin during a trial if we lack proper knowledge of God. This is also a sin according to

Job 34:34-37 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God. KJV

Why did Job rebel against God, the reason is a lack of knowledge according to verse 35. Yes, his words were without understanding which we all have been guilty of. I know in my own personal life I have spoken words that were against the scriptures as a Christian without knowing what I said contradicted the Holy Bible. We all can claim ignorance in certain areas of scripture without blinking an eye so why should we find it hard to believe that Job is a man just like us. The big difference with Job is that he had no detailed revelation of Jesus Christ and God’s plan of salvation as we do. It is simple for the Christian now in the light of Jesus Christ to counter Job thoughts and words with current scriptures. However we are required to operate on a higher level of knowledge because the scriptures state, “to whom much is given from him shall the more be required” in Luke 12:48. I know that Job is a righteous man and his righteousness was declared by God, but his assessment of God’s nature was very impaired. Job through a lack of accurate knowledge yielded to Satan’s erroneous impression of God. Satan will never reveal himself as a deceiver and liar but he will certainly try to make all men curse God by making God to appear as the villain. Just as we hear the present ungodly men make that exact same claim in our society today. This viewpoint of rebellion and lack of knowledge is confirmed by God in the following verses:

The first major problem is confirmed by God.

Job 38:1-2 (The Lord speaks to Job and us)
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? KJV

And the second major problem of rebellion is addressed in the next verse:

Job 40:1-2 (The Lord speaks to Job and us)
1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. KJV

We can see that a lack of knowledge of God caused some major stumbling for Job. This lack of accurate knowledge of God causes all men to stumble into sin. Satan will place bait before us as children of God if we are uninformed we will behave foolishly producing ungodly results. Commonly all Believer fall into the traps of the devil when improperly informed. This is why the Holy Bible calls it darkness because those who are stumbling around in ignorance have no ideal where they are going. Although however we might stumble or make bad decisions we should never comment the sin of Job by rebelling against God. Choosing to side against God is choosing to side with the devil, which was the will of Satan from the very onset. We must know God’s character well enough to always, yes always, yes always constantly confirm before ourselves and others that God is good all the time and His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 106:1
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. KJV

Psalm 107:1
O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. KJV

These two verses point that truth out and give us one of the most powerful keys to the Book of Job. Which is Praise ye the Lord and Give thanks unto the Lord for His goodness always.

Psalm 106:1
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. KJV

Psalm 107:1
O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. KJV

This is the apex (climatic point) of Job. Elihu starts his assessment of Jobs deliverance by magnifying the goodness of God. The foundation of knowing, void of doubt, confident assurance that God is good and God is always Good and His mercy endures forever is the sure foundation to defeat any attack of the enemy. Many people have missed this most powerful truth because it doesn’t clearly state it in the book of Job. However, if you read the chapters 36 through 41 it is clearly demonstrated by Elihu and God Himself. Elihu chose to magnify God because he knew God was good, this thinking is correct and honorable. We should always start with what we know about God’s character, His Heart and stay right there to be safe in a time trouble. Never build on your own foundation of good works but rather the strong foundation of God’s Word. Job didn’t have a Holy Bible to cling to but we are without excuse. Notice some of Elihu’s words about God, our Heavenly Father.

Job 34:21-23 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. KJV

And

Job 35:10-14 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. KJV

And

Job 36:2-6 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. KJV

And

Job 36:22-25 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. KJV

And

Job 37:2-5 (Elihu speaks to Job in the audience of his three friends)
2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. KJV

In the light of such preponderance of evidence it is no wonder that God shows up next on the scene, the Lord delights Himself in the praises of His people. Notice the next chapter God speaks for Himself and continues to magnify Himself before Job. This is how God leads by example and in the mouth of two witnesses and at the same time He establishes this truth in Job’s Life.

Job 38:4-7
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? KJV

And

Job 38:18-22
18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
19 Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, KJV

And

Job 38:33-36
33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?
36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? KJV

And

Job 39:10-12
10 Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
12 Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn? KJV

And

Job 40:15-19
15 Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
16 Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.
17 He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
19 He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. KJV

There are many more examples but I think you get the point, God was simply showing Job to magnify Him while pointing out to Job that there are a lot of things he doesn’t know. There are so many things going on that we don’t know and don’t understand why then would we choose to build a doctrine on what we don’t know about Him as opposed to building a foundation unto God based upon what we do know about His nature and character. Simply put we should magnify God by giving thanks and praises unto Him, if not for all His goodness toward us than at least for the majesty of His creation. The book of Job was written for us that we might learn (1 Corinthians 10:11) from Job not to rebel against God but rather Praise Him because He Is God and He Is Just and Righteous. This truth is also confirmed in Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV

In the midst of God’s presentation of His resume proving that He alone is God, and we are not, the Lord also interjects some correction and instruction:

Job 40:10-14
10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee. KJV

This also points out in verse 12 that some measure of pride was found in Job at the time of God’s examination. Remember as we said earlier some sins can be present before a trial and yet those same types of sins could develop during the trial. It is not clear if those sins became more developed with the intensity of the trial but it is stated that Job was perfect and upright when the trial began. Therefore for safety and conservative bible study sake we will assess that these sins where manifested (or even conceived) during this great trial. We must show plenty of mercy unto Job because given that same set of circumstances who knows what we would have conceived. We can only hope it would be praise unto the Lord God Almighty from whom all blessing flow. Amen!

This shows us that Job in his defense of his own righteousness became outraged at his friends and God which just cascaded the problem. Although people may be irritating we should never let their words influence our heart in a negative way. When we become offended that offense pushes us further away from God rather than closer to He love and protection. When Job started fighting against the brethren he crippled his faith. When our faith is not working our deliverance must come from someone else.

Job 13:2-4
2 What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you.
3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
4 But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. KJV

And

Job 16:1-2
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. KJV

We must realize that other Christians probably have good intentions and not always good manners or methods. Wisdom belongs unto the humble therefore find a humble person if you are in need of compassion and a biblically learned humble person (Pastor, teacher, or close bible scholar) if you seek God’s answers to your problems in a meek spirit.

In summary, Job made some mistakes during this testing just like we would have and still do. The two major mistakes were speaking openly and boldly about things he doesn’t know, we call that vanity. Moreover, the worst mistake (sin) of all was speaking against the Lord God our Creator and Father, we call that rebellion. As soon as Job realized his error He repented and re-established the right sure foundation in God according to Job 42:1-6

1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. KJV

The Holy Bible teaches when light comes darkness is dispelled which is shown in the life of Job. As soon as knowledge came into Job’s mind the ignorance of doubting God’s goodness was dispelled. We noticed that the humbleness of Job shown in chapter 42 verses 1 - 6 cast out any evidence of pride simply because Job realized it is not according to his righteousness but only by God’s Love and Mercy that we are saved. As we know from Romans 9:15-16

15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. KJV

The book of Job serves as a constant reminder that we should praise the Lord, magnify God and give thanks unto our Heavenly Father at all times. There will be some times when we are not sure why we are experiencing a present trial but we must resolve ourselves to praise God no matter what to stimulate our deliverance. Job made the mistake that is common to all mankind which is rehearsing the trouble that is brought against us. All to often many people repeat the problem to others causing more frustration and pain. This added frustration is spoken of in Proverbs 18:20-21 because whatever you speak - you eat.

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. KJV

This means whatever you are speaking to others you are serving to yourself. It is a fact that whatever words you speak aloud was in your heart before you said it. We know sometimes words can slip out of your mouth without much thought but typically out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks according to Luke 6:45

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. KJV

When we choose to repeat the negative words of the circumstance unconsciously we are magnifying the problem. Yes, tragedy can come into our life but what we desire is deliverance from the pain and hurt. Speaking the tragedy to others only reminds us of the pain and suffering by allowing more sorrow into our heart through the entrance of our mouth. Remember this is exactly what Satan hoped Job would do because the more you complain about the problems in your life the closer you are to cursing God. The consistent glorification of the problem is known as “Misplaced Praise” because you are praising the works of devil instead of the goodness of God. It is very common to complain and it is very easily to forget about praising God. This is why we must give diligence to praise God in the midst of trouble because without Him we have nothing. No one can do both wholeheartedly, if one is a worshipper of God they will praise God no matter what. However if one is a complainer they automatically are disqualified from be a person of praise. Since the Lord is always with us we cripple His Power when we complain about our challenges and at the same time we strengthen the enemy’s stronghold against us. How often do we rehearse a negative thought in our mind and shortly after that change that thought into words by repeating it to others. I know some people mean well because they just want to keep everybody aware of what they are thinking but if the thought is ungodly you are not helping yourself or God. Many Christians forget that it is not about you only, the Lord loves you and shed His Blood to save you the least we could do is allow Him the opportunity to show His salvation for us. If we refuse to guard our mouth we will leave our heart wide open to the poisonous suggestions of Satan. The sad part is that quite often those negative words of danger produce fear and frustration in the believer. Remember in Job 1 verse 22 it stated, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. We also notice in Job 2 verse 10 is states that, “In all this did not Job sin with his lips”. However those type of statements are not made after chapter 3 because verse 1 of chapter 3 starts with the statement, “After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. This is a truth of Job that should not be missed because all Christians must know to speak negative words out of your mouth is to curse your life.

Matthew 12:36-37
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. KJV

When Job started cursing his day of birth he was cursing God’s creation and by so doing speaking evil of God. We are born into this earth because we are God’s Will for this earth. No man is here by accident we all are here for a purpose and one of the purposes is to praise the Lord God our Creator. God is not mocked whatever a man sows that shall he also reap according to Galatians 6:7. Therefore “misplaced praise” is not something we can take lightly by thinking everyone complains a little so what harm can be done if I complain some too. My dear fellow believer in the midst of a serious trial your complaining or speaking too much negative talk about the situation you are facing will bring death. Sometimes this may result in actual physical death of a love one or yourself but it also could mean the fruits of death like pain and mental torment. Fear produces torment (1 John 4:18) and if the torment lasts too long it can result in “misplaced praise” to weaken your faith and strengthen your troubles. We are suppose to learn from Job and one obvious lesson we can learn is to not magnify a problem in your life. Simply go to the Word of God to find out exactly what God promised you and magnify God’s Word concerning your situation. I know that sounds easy but to walk by faith will take a dedicated effort on your part. Once you make the effort to believe God for your victory you can take comfort in the fact that the Lord will see you through because He is faithful. That is one of the many reasons we can praise God wholeheartedly because we are His Children and He delights in blessing us as much as He can. The problem is He can only do what we allow Him to do for us. Therefore speaking His Word is a must and when we do that and doubt not, we shall be delivered from all of our afflictions. This is a fact of God because we know His faithfulness makes Him worthy of all our praise. We must choose to give the sacrifice of praise unto God with the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto His Name. Knowing that whatever we are freely giving to God with a humble heart we are also eating ourselves to strengthen our heart. We can learn to expedite our deliverance in the time of need by praising the Lord and praying for those who speak against us. Yes, I know the scripture states in Job 42:10 that praying for his friends turned his captivity but that truth is specific to Job.

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. KJV

In reality for the Christian it is praying for your enemies and those that persecute or oppose you that brings deliverance from offense according to Matthew 5:44-45

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. KJV

Although Job’s three comforters were known as his friends he became offended and being offended keeps you away from God’s Salvation. So don’t look to only pray for your friends but look to pray for those who oppose you or those who speak evil about you as a person. If you pray for those who try to frustrate your peace and progress it will be obvious that you are acting just like your Father God in Heaven. The other point that we must mention is that praying for others is only “a truth”. The truth is we don’t have to pray for others to get God’s deliverance because Jesus Christ has already delivered us in the New Testament. We only need to live in constant forgiveness and realize that Jesus Christ has already defeated the enemy of our souls, Satan and all his demonic evil forces. Now we must operate in accurate knowledge of God’s Word to effectively resist the devil that he and all his cohorts may flee from us.

God’s Word gives us the right answer in our time of need

James 4:6-7
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. KJV

God’s Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom of God’s Word by bringing the right scriptures we need to our mind. This is how we receive direction from God through the Holy Scriptures.

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. KJV

And God’s Grace gives us the complete victory through our faith in Jesus Christ. Amen!

1 John 5:1-5
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? KJV

We must all remember one can start out on the right path of God and end up in the wrong place with God. However, there is nothing that can keep you down when you humble yourself (true repentance) under the Mighty Hand of God because He will lift you up in Christ. When you lift up your hands to praise God, His outstretched Hand will lift you up on high in Jesus Name. Remember praising our Good and Glorious Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ is the key to our Salvation (Deliverance). We bow down our hearts in humility and lift up our hands in praise to God so that our Loving Father can manifest His complete Deliverance for us in Christ Jesus. Job learned this valuable lesson and now we have too, all praise, glory and honor be to God and our glorious Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

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