Week Nine of the Devotional Series
*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our sixth week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 9 overall, we’re still walking alongside Job. *
Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do
Focus: Job 21 – 23
Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.
This week’s devotion includes:
Chapter 21 – “The Prosperity of the Wicked”
Chapter 22 – “Eliphaz’s Final Rebuke”
Chapter 23 – “Reflecting on Your Connection with God”
(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be done in one day or broken up over several days.)
Bible Memory:
Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.
This Week’s Memory Verse — Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. – James 4:8
I Do – Watch Me Study
Job Chapter 21
“The Prosperity of the Wicked”
(Read Job Chapter 21 First)
Job begins by asking his friends to really listen carefully to what he’s saying. He’s exhausted, misunderstood, and trying to explain a deep frustration many of us can relate to: “You’re not hearing me.”
That immediately made me ask:
Have I ever felt unheard or misjudged by people who were supposed to support me?
Yes. And it helped me empathize more with Job.
Then Job shifts. He challenges their assumptions: that the wicked always suffer and the righteous always prosper. Job essentially says, “Look around. We’ve all seen wicked people live long, successful, peaceful lives. He’s pointing out some hard truth.
When Job says in verse 7, “Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?”This was Job deconstructing a false belief: that suffering is always a direct result of sin.
From there, I noticed a key shift in verse 16:
“Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.”
Even though Job sees the wicked prospering, he doesn’t want to follow their path. That stood out to me. It’s easy to envy success, but Job keeps his heart aligned with God, even when life feels unfair.
Then I came to verse 17:
“How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.”
That verse humbled me. God may allow some to prosper for a time, but ultimately He judges with perfect justice. And when it is time for Him to distribute sorrow, it’s not random. He always has a purpose.
This made me ask:
What makes God angry?
I took time to look that up in Scripture, and here’s what I found:
• Idolatry
They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger – Deuteronomy 32:16
• Injustice
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? Isaiah 10:1-3
• Complaining
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his wrath was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp – Numbers 11:1
• Rebellion
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king – 1 Samuel 15:23
• Pride
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood Proverbs 6:16-17
• Sexual sin
Even the souls that did after the filth of those things, and the souls that did abominable things,
I will even blot out of my people that day, and ye shall bear your iniquities, and shall know my breach of promise Leviticus 18:27-28
• Religious hypocrisy
Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood– Isaiah 1:13-15
• Breaking covenant
The Shepherds that feed my people wrongfully, that cause them to err, my
people, that hear not my word; yea, they that cause them to forget my law,
must be sprinkled with blood, and punished with burning flame – Jeremiah 22:9
It reminded me that I need to examine what pleases or displeases the Lord.
In verses 23–26, Job contrasts two people who live and die very differently but end up in the same grave. That truth hits hard. Our external lives may look very different, but God alone knows the heart and handles the judgment.
Let’s Reflect:
• Am I more focused on appearances or on the state of my soul?
• Do I trust that God will deal justly, even when I can’t see it yet?
Lastly, Job calls out the false thinking of his friends and yet stays humble, letting God be his defender. He doesn’t let their flawed views define his reality.
That’s a model for me. I want to respond with honesty, but also with restraint. Let God speak for me.
Final Thought for This Chapter:
Job teaches us that real wisdom doesn’t come from assumptions. It comes from listening, seeking truth, and trusting God’s justice.
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We Do – Let’s Study Together
Job Chapter 22
“Eliphaz’s Final Rebuke”
(Read Job Chapter 22 First)
In Job 22, Eliphaz speaks for the last time in this debate, condemning Job and calling him to repentance with promises of blessing if he turns back to God. He begins with rhetorical questions:
• Can a wise man truly benefit God?
• Does God gain anything if a man chooses to live righteously?
• Does God judge because He fears someone’s power?
Eliphaz’s implication is that Job’s righteousness (if real) doesn’t make God indebted to him, so his suffering must have another explanation like hidden sin.
Let’s dig deeper into these questions:
God Doesn’t Need Us, but He Delights in Us
In Job 22:2–3, Eliphaz asks, “Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?”
Eliphaz’s tone is harsh, and his aim is to accuse Job, but tucked inside his words is a truth: God is entirely self-sufficient. As Paul preached in Acts 17:24–25, “God that made the world and all things therein… neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.”
The Almighty does not depend on our strength, wisdom, or righteousness for His existence or power. Yet, in His grace, He takes pleasure in His people when they walk in obedience. Psalm 147:10–11 reminds us, “He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”
God’s delight isn’t in what we can “give” Him but in our humble, faithful hearts. Micah 6:8 says, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Reflection Prompt:
Take a moment to consider if you serve God with the quiet joy of knowing He delights in you, or are you secretly trying to earn His favor as though He needs what you have? Rest today in the truth that while God doesn’t need you, He chooses to love you.
Eliphaz’s Accusations Against Job:
Without proof, Eliphaz accuses Job of “great wickedness” and “infinite sin,” listing offenses that cut deep:
1. Unjust loans – Taking pledges (collateral) without cause, burdening those who didn’t deserve it.
2. Exploiting the poor – Stripping the needy of clothing, leaving them exposed.
3. Withholding kindness – Refusing food and drink to the weary and hungry.
4. Abusing influence – Using power and wealth to secure land, pushing aside those without.
5. Neglecting widows and orphans – Turning away the most vulnerable in society without help.
Eliphaz paints Job as a man who gained wealth by oppressing people. We know this is a complete contradiction to Job’s real character.
The Consequences Eliphaz Describes:
According to Eliphaz, because of these supposed sins:
• Job is surrounded by traps.
• He lives in fear and darkness.
• His troubles are drowning him.
• He thinks God can’t see him, but God sees all from heaven.
Eliphaz reminds Job of history and how the wicked have faced judgment before:
• Their lives were cut short.
• The flood destroyed those who claimed they didn’t need God.
• Even if their houses were once filled with good things, their end came.
He insists that the righteous rejoice when the wicked fall (again implying Job should accept his suffering as deserved judgment).
Eliphaz’s Call to Repentance:
In the final portion of his speech, Eliphaz urges Job to:
• “Acquaint yourself with God” and return to Him fully.
• “Stop sinning” so that good will return to his life.
• Enjoy restored blessings like riches, God’s protection, answered prayers.
• Teach others that purity and humility lead to God’s favor.
God’s grace isn’t a simple formula: “Repent, and blessings come.” Sometimes, suffering isn’t punishment but part of a deeper process of growth and faithfulness.
So, while Eliphaz’s call to repentance contains biblical truth (we all need to turn to God), we must balance it with compassion, humility, and trust that God’s ways are higher than ours.
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You Do – Apply It Personally
Job Chapter 23
“Reflecting on Your Connection with God”
(Read Job Chapter 23 First)
Job openly expresses how heavy his heart feels, how distant God sometimes seems, and his deep longing to reach Him. Have you ever felt that way? Like you’re crying out, but God feels far away, or maybe you wonder if He even hears you?
That’s a very real part of many believers’ journeys. Job’s story encourages us that feeling distant doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. Instead, it’s often an invitation to examine our hearts and take steps to reconnect.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
• When have I felt closest to God? What was happening in my life or in my heart during those times?
• When have I felt distant or burdened? What might have contributed to that feeling?
Practical Steps to Draw Near to God:
Review the reasons listed below and honestly consider your current walk. Which ones are you actively pursuing? Which might you need to focus on more?
Ways to Draw Near to God:
- Obedience to God’s Word
If ye love me, keep my commandments – John 14:15
• Regular, heartfelt prayer
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded – James 4:8
- Praise and worship
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel – Psalm 22:3
- Fellowship with other believers
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching – Hebrews 10:25
- Meditating on Scripture daily
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee – Psalm 119:11
This Week’s Challenge:
After looking at these ways to draw near to God, I want to challenge you to begin weaving them into your daily habits and routines.
• Set aside time for prayer every day.
For me, this often happens in the morning during my devotion time, and a lot of times in the evening on my walk. Find a time that works for you and guard it carefully.
- Commit to regular church attendance.
If you don’t have a home church yet, make it your goal this week to visit one and see if it’s the right fit for you. Being part of a body of believers is an important way to stay encouraged and accountable. If you already have a church then commit to being there every week.
- Spend time in God’s Word daily.
I personally love reading from my physical Bible first thing in the morning, before the day gets busy. You might prefer reading at night before bed. The exact time isn’t as important as making it a daily habit.
The goal is not to “check the boxes,” but to intentionally create space in your life for God. As you draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to you.
Things That Can Hinder Our Connection:
• Unconfessed sin
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me – Psalm 66:18
• Neglecting prayer
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint – Luke 18:1
• Worldly distractions
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful – Matthew 13:22
• Doubt or lack of faith
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him – Hebrews 11:6
• Spiritual laziness or complacency
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises – Hebrews 6:12
Reflect on these truths:
• Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will” reminds us that God directs our hearts like a river’s flow. Sometimes God softens hearts; other times, He troubles them to bring us back to Him.
- God influences not only our hearts but also how we present ourselves to the world.
Ecclesiastes 8:1- Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
Numbers 6:26 – The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Yet, God invites us to respond by drawing near to Him and guarding our hearts carefully.
Reflect and Journal
Consider these questions:
• What might God be doing in your heart right now? Is He drawing you near, convicting you, or giving you peace amidst hardship?
• Can you recall a time when God changed your heart? Maybe softening it toward Him or troubling it to bring you back? How did that experience shape your faith and walk with God?
Journal Prompt:
Write about a moment when God worked in your heart in a powerful way. How did you respond? What did you learn about God and yourself through that experience?
Key Takeaway:
Even when life feels unfair and God seems distant, our calling is to stay faithful, trust His justice, and draw near to Him. Job reminds us that prosperity or suffering is not always a measure of righteousness. God’s ways are higher, His justice is perfect, and His presence is worth seeking above all else.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the many little nuggets of truth in Your Word that You teach us each day that we can apply in our lives. Like Job, we know we will face difficult people and hard circumstances we don’t understand. I pray that even when life seems unfair, our hearts would stay aligned with You. Help us understand what grieves Your heart so we can avoid those things.
When we face difficult people, give us honesty but also restraint and help us speak wisely and trust You to defend us. And God, when we feel distant from You, remind us to examine our hearts and see what might be causing that loss of connection.
Thank You for Your Word, which guides us every step of the way. Help us reflect on and apply these truths from today’s study, so we grow closer to You each day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
The Georgia Nest 