Morality in Job
Morality in JobMorality in Job
Why do bad things happen to good people? This question has perplexed man since the dawn of religion and the belief in higher power(s). A good person, according to religion, is someone who devotes his or her life to God by adhering to the ethical code of behavior. Simple-minded logic would lead to the belief that God would reward a person who is moral and decent. However, daily life shows us that even the best of men can have terrible things occur to them. The Book of Job is the story of the perfect man and his ultimate test of righteousness. The fact that Job was punished, even though the purpose was to serve as a test, seriously questions whether morality matters in the lives of those who strive only for material wealth. Those who manage to look deeper into the purpose of morality can understand why it is so important.
The fact that Job is “upright and blameless” is never disputed. Throughout The Book of Job, Job maintains his morality and has an extremely high assessment of himself. Job’s evaluation of himself agrees with what God says about him to Satan. This indicates that it is possible to be a decent person. Religion teaches us morality is important in order to strive to be a righteous person. God is known to wish man to live decent lives, not just avoiding evil, but encouraging the good. However, we are not necessarily blessed for decent morality. Job’s dilemma is figuring out why he’s having so much trouble if he’s has led such a good life.
Job always holds his head high before God, despite the torture he experiences. Job knows that there is something behind the suffering he must endure and God must have a purpose for his actions. Without indicating any reason, God took away the “justice” that Job felt he deserved for being a moral and righteous man (Job 27:2). Job is the only man in existence who truly merits such a trial before God. Because of his unwavering faith and continued “upright and blameless” behavior, Job is closer than any other human being to God. Job knows that no man is in a position to question God; he merely wants to understand why he is experiencing such pain and suffering. God does not answer Job’s request, and so Job’s soul is extremely “bitter” (Job 27:2). However, even with this bitterness, Job never sins. Job holds on to his sense of morality, because that is his essence and only source of redemption.
Morality is the first step in righteousness. Our integrity reveals whether or not we have God’s heart in us. Job possesses outstanding integrity and faith in God, and thus God does not condemn him. Until Job dies, he pledges that he “will not put away” his “integrity” (Job 27:5). Because of this integrity, Job ultimately...
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