Date: 01-24-2021

Title: Right But Wrong

(S) cripture:
    Job 20:4-11 (NLT2) “Don’t you realize that from the beginning of time, ever since people were first placed on the earth, 5 the triumph of the wicked has been short-lived and the joy of the godless has been only temporary? 6 Though the pride of the godless reaches to the heavens and their heads touch the clouds, 7 yet they will vanish forever, thrown away like their own dung. Those who knew them will ask, ‘Where are they?’ 8 They will fade like a dream and not be found. They will vanish like a vision in the night. 9 Those who once saw them will see them no more. Their families will never see them again. 10 Their children will beg from the poor, for they must give back their stolen riches. 11 Though they are young, their bones will lie in the dust.

(O) bservation:
    In responding to Job, Zophar is right in his understanding of God’s dealing with the wicked or unrighteous. He is wrong though in his use of this truth. He is defending himself and his counsel to Job. He is using this truth to validate his understanding of Job’s situation. In using the truth this way he is wrong because he is using it to put down Job rather than to encourage and lift Job up.

(A) pplication:
    I wonder how often I have a right understanding but a wrong application. How often have I used God’s Word to put down someone or to make myself look good. I might be right but without love and humility I am wrong. Today I want to use God’s truth to lift and encourage people. I never want to ignore sin but want to use God’s word to build and not tear down.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me aware of when I have right belief but wrong application or motives. Let me be an encourager using your word to lift people up so they might see you clearly. Amen