The 'Job 31' Man: Being a Man of Integrity in a Sinful WorldPrøve

### Introduction Before we dive into Job 31, we need to understand the setting. This chapter is the summary of Job's defence in what reads like a courtroom drama. His friends, who are meant to be comforting him in his sufferings, turn into his accusers. Before we judge Job's 'comforters', what about us? Do we assume that if people suffer, they must somehow deserve it? I must confess that knowing we all deserve God's condemnation, I find myself sympathising somewhat with Job's friends as they wag their fingers at him. The thing is though, Job is a man of real integrity: what you see is what you get with him. He was trusting in his Redeemer who was yet to come, the Lord Jesus Christ. Do we trust in Jesus, and if we claim to do so, do we live lives that honour Him? Job disproved the idea that if you follow God you will 'live your best life now'. As one Christian rapper says, 'if you're living your best life now, you're heading for hell'. God might have restored to him wealth and family, but the Bible doesn't guarantee anyone health, wealth or even happiness. On the other hand, God does give us everything we need for life and godliness. He does provide our daily bread. He's a good, good Father. 'Heavenly Father, we come to You for You, for You are worthy. We don't come to You for health, wealth, happiness, or anything else we might idolise. Please help us to worship You whatever our circumstances, to bring You glory, amen.' Do you come to God for prosperity? If so, he's not your God, prosperity is! Come to God for His sake, because He's worth it!