Job 22:29 - When they cast down, you shall say, ‘be lifted up.’ He will save the humble person.
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What does "Job 22:29" mean?
Job 22:29 is part of a speech by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends who believes Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. Understanding the verse requires considering its context within Eliphaz's argument, which is ultimately flawed.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its likely intended meaning, as well as a more nuanced perspective based on the rest of the Book of Job:
Eliphaz's Intended Meaning (and its problems):
"When they cast down, you shall say, ‘be lifted up.’": Eliphaz is suggesting that if Job is righteous and lives according to God's will, he will have such influence and favor with God that his words will have power. When others are brought low (perhaps due to their wickedness or misfortune), Job's prayers and pronouncements for their restoration will be effective. In other words, Job will be a powerful intercessor, able to bring about positive change for others.
"He will save the humble person.": This is often translated "the downcast" or "the humble in spirit". Eliphaz is arguing that God is inclined to help those who are humble and contrite.
The Implied Argument: Eliphaz is subtly implying that because Job isn't experiencing this power and blessing, he must be unrighteous and proud. He's suggesting that Job needs to humble himself before God, repent of his sins, and then he'll be in a position to intercede for others and be saved himself. Eliphaz's logic is: righteous people have influence and are blessed; Job is not blessed; therefore, Job is not righteous.
Problems with Eliphaz's Interpretation (Based on the Book of Job):
Oversimplification: The Book of Job challenges the simplistic "prosperity gospel" thinking that good things always happen to good people and bad things always happen to bad people. Job is, by all accounts, a righteous man who suffers immensely.
False Accusation: Eliphaz falsely accuses Job of specific sins without evidence.
Misunderstanding God: Eliphaz portrays God as a transactional being who rewards obedience with prosperity and punishes disobedience with suffering. The book of Job reveals a more complex relationship between God and humanity. God's ways are often mysterious and cannot be reduced to simple cause and effect.
God eventually rebukes Eliphaz: God himself later rebukes Eliphaz and his friends for not speaking rightly about him (Job 42:7-9). This indicates that their understanding of God's justice and the reasons for suffering was flawed.
A More Nuanced Interpretation (Considering the Book of Job's Message):
While Eliphaz's interpretation is ultimately incorrect, the verse itself can be viewed in a more positive light:
Hope for the Downcast: Even in the midst of suffering and injustice, there is hope for those who are cast down. This verse can be seen as a call to speak words of encouragement and hope to those who are struggling.
God's Concern for the Humble: God does indeed show special care for those who are humble and broken-hearted. However, humility is not a means to manipulate God for personal gain, but rather a recognition of our dependence on him.
The Power of Words: While Eliphaz misunderstands the source of this power, words can have a profound impact. Speaking words of faith, encouragement, and truth can bring healing and restoration to others. But this power is not based on our own righteousness but on God's grace and faithfulness.
In conclusion, while Eliphaz uses this verse to wrongly accuse Job, the verse itself can be seen as a statement of hope and God's concern for the humble. However, it is crucial to interpret it within the context of the entire Book of Job, which challenges simplistic views of suffering and God's justice. The book of Job suggests that we should look at the statement as meaning that even when the world or others may cast you down, if you are humble in spirit and heart God will lift you up from that situation.
Job 22:29 - When they cast down, you shall say, ‘be lifted up.’ He will save the humble person.
What does "Job 22:29" mean?
Job 22:29 is part of a speech by Eliphaz, one of Job's friends who believes Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. Understanding the verse requires considering its context within Eliphaz's argument, which is ultimately flawed.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its likely intended meaning, as well as a more nuanced perspective based on the rest of the Book of Job:
Eliphaz's Intended Meaning (and its problems):
"When they cast down, you shall say, ‘be lifted up.’": Eliphaz is suggesting that if Job is righteous and lives according to God's will, he will have such influence and favor with God that his words will have power. When others are brought low (perhaps due to their wickedness or misfortune), Job's prayers and pronouncements for their restoration will be effective. In other words, Job will be a powerful intercessor, able to bring about positive change for others.
"He will save the humble person.": This is often translated "the downcast" or "the humble in spirit". Eliphaz is arguing that God is inclined to help those who are humble and contrite.
The Implied Argument: Eliphaz is subtly implying that because Job isn't experiencing this power and blessing, he must be unrighteous and proud. He's suggesting that Job needs to humble himself before God, repent of his sins, and then he'll be in a position to intercede for others and be saved himself. Eliphaz's logic is: righteous people have influence and are blessed; Job is not blessed; therefore, Job is not righteous.
Problems with Eliphaz's Interpretation (Based on the Book of Job):
Oversimplification: The Book of Job challenges the simplistic "prosperity gospel" thinking that good things always happen to good people and bad things always happen to bad people. Job is, by all accounts, a righteous man who suffers immensely.
False Accusation: Eliphaz falsely accuses Job of specific sins without evidence.
Misunderstanding God: Eliphaz portrays God as a transactional being who rewards obedience with prosperity and punishes disobedience with suffering. The book of Job reveals a more complex relationship between God and humanity. God's ways are often mysterious and cannot be reduced to simple cause and effect.
God eventually rebukes Eliphaz: God himself later rebukes Eliphaz and his friends for not speaking rightly about him (Job 42:7-9). This indicates that their understanding of God's justice and the reasons for suffering was flawed.
A More Nuanced Interpretation (Considering the Book of Job's Message):
While Eliphaz's interpretation is ultimately incorrect, the verse itself can be viewed in a more positive light:
Hope for the Downcast: Even in the midst of suffering and injustice, there is hope for those who are cast down. This verse can be seen as a call to speak words of encouragement and hope to those who are struggling.
God's Concern for the Humble: God does indeed show special care for those who are humble and broken-hearted. However, humility is not a means to manipulate God for personal gain, but rather a recognition of our dependence on him.
The Power of Words: While Eliphaz misunderstands the source of this power, words can have a profound impact. Speaking words of faith, encouragement, and truth can bring healing and restoration to others. But this power is not based on our own righteousness but on God's grace and faithfulness.
In conclusion, while Eliphaz uses this verse to wrongly accuse Job, the verse itself can be seen as a statement of hope and God's concern for the humble. However, it is crucial to interpret it within the context of the entire Book of Job, which challenges simplistic views of suffering and God's justice. The book of Job suggests that we should look at the statement as meaning that even when the world or others may cast you down, if you are humble in spirit and heart God will lift you up from that situation.