Job 37
Psalm 37 is classified as a wisdom psalm, and its distinctive feature is that it repeatedly presents contrasting pictures of the lives of the wicked and the righteous. It is known that David wrote this psalm in his old age, sharing wisdom for life based on his personal experiences. In particular, regarding the reality that appears unfair—when the wicked prosper for a time while the righteous face hardships—it encourages readers to persevere and live according to righteousness. The overall flow of the psalm begins with ‘Do not envy the wicked’, to trust in God and do what is good, to commit your way to God and wait patiently, and then to be confident in the future and deliverance of the righteous.
1verse“Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
2verseHear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.
3verseHe sends it out under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth.
4verseAfter it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn’t hold back anything when his voice is heard.
5verseGod thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can’t comprehend.
6verseFor he says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.
7verseHe seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
8verseThen the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.
9verseOut of its room comes the storm, and cold out of the north.
10verseBy the breath of God, ice is given, and the width of the waters is frozen.
11verseYes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
12verseIt is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
13versewhether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
14verse“Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15verseDo you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16verseDo you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
17verseYou whose clothing is warm when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
18verseCan you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
19verseTeach us what we will tell him, for we can’t make our case by reason of darkness.
20verseWill it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
21verseNow men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
22verseOut of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.
23verseWe can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
24verseTherefore men revere him. He doesn’t regard any who are wise of heart.”
Key Lessons and Message
- Do not be swayed by the prosperity of the wicked: Psalm 37 emphasizes again and again that even if the wicked in the world seem to prosper temporarily, they will ultimately disappear and be destroyed.
- A life that relies on the LORD: The righteous declare that they are under God’s protection and guidance, and it teaches that placing hope in God and living righteously is the true blessing.
- Perseverance and waiting: At times, you may feel frustrated in the face of the absurdities of reality, but it encourages you to persevere and not grow impatient. From God’s perspective, it prompts you to reflect on the fact that in the end, the righteous will receive blessing.
Meditation Points
- To what extent am I being influenced by the world’s injustice and prosperity?
- Let me reflect on whether my life’s standard is aligned solely with God’s perspective and guidance.
Put It Into Practice for Yourself
- Today, in choices both big and small, you can decide to live with a standard of faith.
- Whenever impatience and dissatisfaction arise, you can try practicing by meditating on the words of Psalm 37 and once again committing yourself to God
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