Today’s reading, Job 24–28, continues Job’s lament on the wickeds “escape” from suffering and seemingly their ability to sidestep justice. Job points out that the righteous often do not witness the judgment of the wicked:

“Why do those who know him never see his days?” (Job 24:1).

Job continues to maintain that his suffering does not make him unrighteous. Many wicked people seem to live unpunished lives, prospering while others endure hardship.

In chapter 25, Bildad jumps back into the conversation, emphasizing that no human is worthy before God:

“How then can a man be righteous before God? Or how can one who is born of a woman be pure?” (Job 25:4).

Bildad is correct in pointing out that all of humanity falls short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). This is a truth we all must recognize—our sinfulness. However, Bildad’s rationale misses the bigger picture: Job’s confidence is not rooted in his own righteousness but in the fact that his Redeemer lives, and one day Job will see Him face to face.

In chapter 26, Job dismisses Bildad’s arguments. His confidence is nothing less than supernatural. Despite his suffering, Job remains steadfast in his faith, knowing who he is because God has gifted him with faith. This reminds me of Romans 8:15–16:

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Job’s understanding of God is profound and rooted in Holy Spirit revelation. His friends see the world through physical, human wisdom, but Job’s perspective is rooted in “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).

This passage reminds me that we can remain confident and secure even in the midst of calamity and trials when we embrace God’s truth. The world may serve us pain and violence because of its fallen nature, or accusation and persecution because of its fallen people. Yet, we have the Spirit of God within us to live a life of godliness and hope.

Today’s takeaway is this: “It’s OK to not be OK. If you are not OK, lean into Jesus, because He will not leave you there.” We see Job leaning more and more into God as his story unfolds. While his circumstances do not change (at least up to this point), his countenance does.

Lean into Him. He is faithful.