Book of Job
Chapter
6
1. Then Job answered: 2. "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 1 to 2)
Oh God that our negative traits are compared against our positive traits in the eyes of humans. Oh God we try to reason on the same lines with you as we reason with humans.
3. For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4. For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 3 to 4)
During such moments of stress my God we tend to not have control over what we think and say, and we might end up saying things that we would not have in normal circumstances. However You are always with me and Your arrows of love are always like that of Cupid injecting me with love.
5. Does the wild ass bray over its grass, or the ox low over its fodder? 6. Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any flavor in the juice of mallows? 7. My appetite refuses to touch them; they are like food that is loathsome to me.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 5 to 7)
Oh God when our lives are lacking Your holy presence we are like food that is lacking in the basic ingredient which gives it taste, value and nourishment. If we are not careful our lives can become really boring so much that nobody and nothing on this earth can give us fulfilment.
8. "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire; 9. that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loos his hand and cut me off! 10. This would be my consolation: I would even exult in unrelenting pain; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 8 to 10)
Even though Job appears to be desperate in pain and anguish and as a consequence is asking You to end his life he still admits that Your Word and his faith in You is still present. I agree with Job in the sense that although death may be viewed negatively it is not a negative but a positive. I agree that it would be a great consolation to be reunited with You and not a downfall. My greatest wish is also to be reunited forever with You my God.
11. What is my strength that I should wait? And what is my end that I should be patient?
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 11)
Although we proclaim that we are Christians or Catholics oh God if when put to the test, we do not place our trust in You we are not worthy of proclaiming this truth. When experiencing such stress in the garden of Gethsemane You did not reject Your calling or attempt suicide in an act of desperation but sought the comfort of prayer to Your Father. Therefore we in such a situation we are to do likewise and listen for Your voice who speaks in such moments of sorrow and bitterness.
12. Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? 13. In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 12 to 13)
Oh my God, by our own devices we are weak as butter, however when we place our trust in You, we become as courageous as lions and as strong as a fortress. All we need is to place our trust in You and we have nothing to worry about.
14. "Those who withhold kindness from a friend forsake the fear of the Almighty.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 14)
As You know oh God the saying says that a friend in need is a friend indeed. This is one of many qualities that as a loving Father You show to us. You are God, the Father and also god our friend. There is no other friend but You. Amen
15. My companions are treacherous like a torrent-bed, like freshets that pass away, 16. that run dark with ice, turbid with melting snow. 17. In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 15 to 17)
Oh God my Father and my best friend. You are indeed the best of friends. Unlike the type of friends mentioned by Job You are always there for me ready to, love and support me, in the good times and also in the bad which may not be the bad, but better more I prefer to call these times, times of testing.
18. The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into waste, and perish. 19. The caravans of Tema look, the travellers of Sheba hope. 20. They are disappointed Ted because they were confident; they come there and are confounded.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 18 to 20)
Oh God those who look upon Job are muddled or perplexed. They ask in awe, how come such a good and God fearing person could ever end up in such calamity? Does not God help those who love and follow him?
When using such criteria based on the logic of the world one tends to arrive at such conclusions, however when considering that even You were not spared from the tribulations of this world the conclusion is "So what?" If the world treated You so bad it will not treat us any better. Therefore when the world treats us badly this is an honour for the treatment given to us was also fit for a king. The King of Kings. Therefore it is an honour and not a downfall or calamity as some may perceive it.
21. Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 21)
Instead of accepting calamities as being the discipline of God. we become full of fear and become confused. When adopting such an attitude in relation to others, they sense our fear and become more depressed and discouraged. Therefore when in the presence of people in such situations we are to empathise and be positive in order to encourage others by our presence.
22. Have I said, 'Make me a gift? Or; 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me? 23. Or; Save me from an opponents hand'? Or; 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'?
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 22 to 23)
Oh God Job is stating that he never asked for the help of his friends. This is very common when we are enduring such painful situations. We feel unable to accept the fact that we have a problem and even worse that we are to seek support from all people in our networks such as family or extended family or from support systems such as found in the Social Welfare System. However having said all this our greatest help, can come only from You. You are a shoulder to cry on and vital means of support.
24. "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone wrong
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 24)
Oh God my Father even though we have knowledge available at our finger tips, exploding from everywhere around us, we still use the argument that we do nor know for our defence. However during moments of crisis even though the situation appears to be crystal clear we still cannot make head or tail of our situation. Oh God as a sinner every day of my life I pray that You show me where I have gone wrong, so that I can avoid making the same mistakes twice and this would help me improve my life both spiritually and even socially and psychologically.
25. How forceful are honest words! But your reproof, what does it reprove? 26. Do you think that you can reprove words as if the speech of the desperate were wind? 27. You would even cast lots over the orphan and bargain over your friend.
(Book of Wisdom job Chapter 6 verses 25 to 27)
On reflecting on this verse I felt like giving Job a piece of my mind, for I feel that he was pushing his luck in Your presence. If it was not for Your love for us, You would surely put up with our behaviour and would immediately penalise us for our actions.
28. "But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face, 29. Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done, Turn now, my vindication is at stake. 30. Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?
(Book of Wisdom Chapter 6 verses 28 to 30)
As Job may not have considered, God does not take pleasure in seeing His sons and daughters experience such terrible pain! He surely does not smile but shows love, empathy and kindness. God is aware that it is the pain that is causing Job to reason in such a way, Pain changes our thinking feelings and most of all our behaviour.
Oh God I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God I pray for those who are experiencing any form of pain and anguish, that can be physical, emotional or even spiritual. I also pray that You empower us with Your Spirit of truth I pray that You make of us positive people who accept anything in life as part of Your plan for us and be thankful and positive instead of feeling lonely and depressed. Amen
3. For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4. For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 3 to 4)
During such moments of stress my God we tend to not have control over what we think and say, and we might end up saying things that we would not have in normal circumstances. However You are always with me and Your arrows of love are always like that of Cupid injecting me with love.
5. Does the wild ass bray over its grass, or the ox low over its fodder? 6. Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any flavor in the juice of mallows? 7. My appetite refuses to touch them; they are like food that is loathsome to me.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 5 to 7)
Oh God when our lives are lacking Your holy presence we are like food that is lacking in the basic ingredient which gives it taste, value and nourishment. If we are not careful our lives can become really boring so much that nobody and nothing on this earth can give us fulfilment.
8. "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire; 9. that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loos his hand and cut me off! 10. This would be my consolation: I would even exult in unrelenting pain; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 8 to 10)
Even though Job appears to be desperate in pain and anguish and as a consequence is asking You to end his life he still admits that Your Word and his faith in You is still present. I agree with Job in the sense that although death may be viewed negatively it is not a negative but a positive. I agree that it would be a great consolation to be reunited with You and not a downfall. My greatest wish is also to be reunited forever with You my God.
11. What is my strength that I should wait? And what is my end that I should be patient?
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 11)
Although we proclaim that we are Christians or Catholics oh God if when put to the test, we do not place our trust in You we are not worthy of proclaiming this truth. When experiencing such stress in the garden of Gethsemane You did not reject Your calling or attempt suicide in an act of desperation but sought the comfort of prayer to Your Father. Therefore we in such a situation we are to do likewise and listen for Your voice who speaks in such moments of sorrow and bitterness.
12. Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? 13. In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 12 to 13)
Oh my God, by our own devices we are weak as butter, however when we place our trust in You, we become as courageous as lions and as strong as a fortress. All we need is to place our trust in You and we have nothing to worry about.
14. "Those who withhold kindness from a friend forsake the fear of the Almighty.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 14)
As You know oh God the saying says that a friend in need is a friend indeed. This is one of many qualities that as a loving Father You show to us. You are God, the Father and also god our friend. There is no other friend but You. Amen
15. My companions are treacherous like a torrent-bed, like freshets that pass away, 16. that run dark with ice, turbid with melting snow. 17. In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 15 to 17)
Oh God my Father and my best friend. You are indeed the best of friends. Unlike the type of friends mentioned by Job You are always there for me ready to, love and support me, in the good times and also in the bad which may not be the bad, but better more I prefer to call these times, times of testing.
18. The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into waste, and perish. 19. The caravans of Tema look, the travellers of Sheba hope. 20. They are disappointed Ted because they were confident; they come there and are confounded.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 18 to 20)
Oh God those who look upon Job are muddled or perplexed. They ask in awe, how come such a good and God fearing person could ever end up in such calamity? Does not God help those who love and follow him?
When using such criteria based on the logic of the world one tends to arrive at such conclusions, however when considering that even You were not spared from the tribulations of this world the conclusion is "So what?" If the world treated You so bad it will not treat us any better. Therefore when the world treats us badly this is an honour for the treatment given to us was also fit for a king. The King of Kings. Therefore it is an honour and not a downfall or calamity as some may perceive it.
21. Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 21)
Instead of accepting calamities as being the discipline of God. we become full of fear and become confused. When adopting such an attitude in relation to others, they sense our fear and become more depressed and discouraged. Therefore when in the presence of people in such situations we are to empathise and be positive in order to encourage others by our presence.
22. Have I said, 'Make me a gift? Or; 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me? 23. Or; Save me from an opponents hand'? Or; 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'?
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verses 22 to 23)
Oh God Job is stating that he never asked for the help of his friends. This is very common when we are enduring such painful situations. We feel unable to accept the fact that we have a problem and even worse that we are to seek support from all people in our networks such as family or extended family or from support systems such as found in the Social Welfare System. However having said all this our greatest help, can come only from You. You are a shoulder to cry on and vital means of support.
24. "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone wrong
(Book of Wisdom Job Chapter 6 verse 24)
Oh God my Father even though we have knowledge available at our finger tips, exploding from everywhere around us, we still use the argument that we do nor know for our defence. However during moments of crisis even though the situation appears to be crystal clear we still cannot make head or tail of our situation. Oh God as a sinner every day of my life I pray that You show me where I have gone wrong, so that I can avoid making the same mistakes twice and this would help me improve my life both spiritually and even socially and psychologically.
25. How forceful are honest words! But your reproof, what does it reprove? 26. Do you think that you can reprove words as if the speech of the desperate were wind? 27. You would even cast lots over the orphan and bargain over your friend.
(Book of Wisdom job Chapter 6 verses 25 to 27)
On reflecting on this verse I felt like giving Job a piece of my mind, for I feel that he was pushing his luck in Your presence. If it was not for Your love for us, You would surely put up with our behaviour and would immediately penalise us for our actions.
28. "But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face, 29. Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done, Turn now, my vindication is at stake. 30. Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?
(Book of Wisdom Chapter 6 verses 28 to 30)
As Job may not have considered, God does not take pleasure in seeing His sons and daughters experience such terrible pain! He surely does not smile but shows love, empathy and kindness. God is aware that it is the pain that is causing Job to reason in such a way, Pain changes our thinking feelings and most of all our behaviour.
Oh God I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God I pray for those who are experiencing any form of pain and anguish, that can be physical, emotional or even spiritual. I also pray that You empower us with Your Spirit of truth I pray that You make of us positive people who accept anything in life as part of Your plan for us and be thankful and positive instead of feeling lonely and depressed. Amen
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