Scripture: 1 John 3:18; Job 29:1-25; 30:1, 10-11, 15-17, 20-23, 25-26; 31:3-8, 13-15; Job 10:8-12; Psalm 139:1-2, 13-16; Job 31:15-23

1 John 3:18 Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.

Job 29:1 Job continued his discourse, saying: 2 If only I could be as in months gone by, in the days when God watched over me, 3 when His lamp shone above my head, and I walked through darkness by His light! 4 I would be as I was in the days of my youth when God's friendship rested on my tent, 5 when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, 6 when my feet were bathed in cream and the rock poured out streams of oil for me! 7 When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, 8 the young men saw me and withdrew (out of their respect for & awe of me), while older men stood to their feet (in honor of my wisdom & authority). 9 City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands (I was fair & just). 10 The noblemen's voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths (I was revered). 11 When they heard me, they blessed me, and when they saw me, they spoke well of me (I was valued). 12 (Why?) For I rescued the poor man who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him. 13 The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow's heart rejoice. 14 I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. 15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. 16 I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger. 17 I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. 18 So I thought: I will die in my own nest and multiply my days as the sand. 19 My roots will have access to water, and the dew will rest on my branches all night. 20 My strength will be refreshed within me, and my bow will be renewed in my hand (I knew God would provide – He always did). 21 Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my advice. 22 After a word from me they did not speak again; my speech settled on them like dew. 23 They waited for me as for the rain and opened their mouths as for spring showers (I was trusted). 24 If I smiled at them, they couldn't believe it; they were thrilled at the light of my countenance. 25 I directed their course and presided as chief. I lived as a king among his troops, like one who comforts those who mourn.

Job 30:1 But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to put with my sheep dogs… 10 They despise me and keep their distance from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face. 11 Because God has loosened my bowstring and oppressed me, they have cast off restraint in my presence… 15 Terrors are turned loose against me; they chase my dignity away like the wind, and my prosperity has passed by like a cloud. 16 Now my life is poured out before my eyes, and days of suffering have seized me. 17 Night pierces my bones, but my gnawing pains never rest… 20 I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me; when I stand up, You merely look at me. 21 You have turned against me with cruelty; You harass me with Your strong hand. 22 You lift me up on the wind and make me ride it; You scatter me in the storm. 23 Yes, I know that You will lead me to death-- the place appointed for all who live… 25 Have I not wept for those who have fallen on hard times? Has my soul not grieved for the needy? 26 But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came.

Job 31:3 Doesn't disaster come to the unjust and misfortune to evildoers? 4 Does He not see my ways and number all my steps? 5 If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit, 6 let God weigh me in accurate scales, and He will recognize my integrity. 7 If my step has turned from the way, my heart has followed my eyes, or impurity has stained my hands, 8 let someone else eat what I have sown, and let my crops be uprooted… 13 If I have dismissed the case of my male or female servants when they made a complaint against me, 14 what could I do when God stands up to judge? How should I answer Him when He calls me to account? 15 Did not the One who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same God form us both in the womb?

Psalm 139:1 LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away… 13 For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. 15a My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, …. 16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.

Job 31:15 Did not the One who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same God form us both in the womb? 16 If I have refused the wishes of the poor or let the widow's eyes go blind, 17 if I have eaten my few crumbs alone without letting the fatherless eat any of it-- 18 for from my youth, I raised him as his father, and since the day I was born I guided the widow-- 19 if I have seen anyone dying for lack of clothing or a needy person without a cloak, 20 if he did not bless me while warming himself with the fleece from my sheep, 21 if I ever cast my vote against a fatherless child when I saw that I had support in the city gate, 22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my back, and my arm be pulled from its socket. 23 For disaster from God terrifies me, and because of His majesty I could not do these things.