This lesson overlaps two chapters (Job 29:21–30:19). Was the change so abrupt that a division was inserted?
At the end of Job 29, Job is still recalling the days when he was sought out for his wise counsel. “Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, and my speech settled on them as dew” (vv 21-22). Imagine people waiting expectantly for you to speak, hanging on every word you uttered, then sitting silently when you finished, feeling refreshed by what you said. Here’s how he felt when that happened: “I chose the way for them, and sat as chief; so I dwelt as a king in the army, as one who comforts mourners” (v 25). Excuse me for saying it, but that’s enough to make a man’s head swell! The direction of people’s lives depended on my advice? I wasn’t just chief counselor; I was like the commander-in-chief with a whole army awaiting my directives! Ahem, and of course I was there to help hurting people. But those days are long gone. Now how is it? “But now they mock at me” (30:1). Ah, the capricious crowd! In the day of his affluence and influence none would dare lift a finger against him. Now he’s the target of the basest of men. Their fathers he would not have hired to care for his dogs. Vagabonds and thieves they are, “sons of vile men; they were scourged from the land” (v 8). How do they treat him, the once-noble Job? “And now I am their taunting song; yes, I am their byword. They abhor me, they keep far from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face” (vv 9-10). We can’t help but think of our Lord and the way He was treated when we read this. For Job, who sought to defend his reputation, we might suggest that anything is good for us that humbles us. For Jesus, there was no such need. He chose to make Himself of no reputation and humbled Himself. Oh to be like Jesus!