In this chapter Job describes the wicked – their conduct, their supposed security, and what should happen to them.
” ‘They wrong the barren, childless woman, and do no good to the widow. Yet God prolongs the life of the mighty by his power; they rise up when they despair of life. He gives them security, and they are supported, and his eyes are upon their ways. They are exalted a little while, and then are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like the heads of grain. If it is not so, who will prove me a liar and show that there is nothing in what I say?’ ” (v21-25)
After his comments regarding the facets of the wicked, Job concludes with an invitation, asking anyone who’s listening to audit what he has said, and correct him if he’s wrong. This is a good invitation and posture to have.
I have been guilty of this: stating a “fact” and not allowing any room for debate or correction (even if the “fact” is incorrect, or based on incorrect assumptions). Job does the brave thing and opens his comments up to scrutiny and reproof.
I believe this is a sign of humility – genuinely inviting someone (not sardonically inviting someone) to “please correct me if I’m wrong”, before or after stating my opinion or view. This should even be done when discussing theology – such as what I’m writing right now. I would invite your thoughts and corrections if you find any fault in what you’re reading.
Part of the reason I think Job invited correction, and that we should invite correction into our own lives, is this: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Heb 12:11) Scripture tells us that when we’re corrected, though it’s uncomfortable/painful, it will eventually yield “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” if we humbly and consistently accept the correction.
Now, here’s the catch – the correction must be done properly, from the right motives and source. Paul instructs us to offer correction out of a “spirit of gentleness” (Gal 6:1). He also tells us “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17) A good reminder that correction needs a correct attitude and foundation.
I encourage us to humble ourselves into accepting correction, even inviting it, and also offering correction out of a spirit of gentleness. Correction, if handled correctly, makes us more Christlike over time.
I’ll close with this reminder: “Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” (Pro 9:7-9)
Father God, our Most High and Sovereign Lord, great, mighty and holy is Your name. We come before You today, a weak and broken people. We have been foolish, and have caused much harm to one another. Father please help us through Your indwelling Spirit to be humble, and allow ourselves to receive correction. We admit that we don’t always have correct thoughts and beliefs, and have spoken out of line. Father please open our eyes to correction, so we may we savor it. May we accept Your correction gracefully, and also pass correction on to others with a spirit of gentleness (guided by Your Spirit, of course). We ask this now in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who cleansed us from unrighteousness and made this relationship with You possible. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training