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As I read the conclusion of the book of Job in chapters 40–42, I was struck and encouraged by Job’s silence. Throughout the story, Job longed for God to respond. But when he finally did, we sense a shift in his demeanor; one of humility, reflecting how we all should respond to a Holy God.

“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth” (Job 40:4).

If only this were my default response in moments of frustration. Yet too often, I allow my words and attitudes to fly unchecked, failing to recognize God’s sovereignty, goodness and purposes in all situations.

In these final chapters, God continues to speak of His sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding. Job is reminded—and so are we—that in all events God has purposes far beyond our understanding. While God does not explicitly mention it, we as readers know about the conversation between God and Satan at the beginning of Job’s story. This unseen exchange reminds us that there are realities we cannot see or understand.

Job’s response to God is a model for us of humility and repentance. He acknowledges God’s power and confesses his own lack of understanding:

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.… Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.… Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:2–6).

We, too, should be ready to confess and repent at all times when we’ve acted out in ways that we know are unbecoming of a Christ-follower. A great takeaway from this book is that humility leads to restoration and peace.

A Parting Note:
I found it interesting that Job’s friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—were given an opportunity to make things right by confessing their sin and offering sacrifices. However, there is no mention of Elihu. This makes me wonder: could his anger and pride have hardened his heart to a point where forgiveness was forfeited? Anger and hatred are like cancer—they grow deep and are difficult to surrender once embraced. These sins have no place in the kingdom of God.

Job’s story reminds us of the importance of humility, repentance, and surrendering to God’s sovereignty.

My encouragement to us: Approach God with reverence, trust, and a readiness to lay our hands on our mouths in awe of His greatness.