Week Ten of the Devotional Series
The Study of Job: Week Seven
*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our seventh week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 10 overall, we’re still walking alongside Job. *
Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do
Focus: Job 24 – 28
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 24 – “When Justice Feels Delayed”
Chapter 25 – “God Is Great, We Are Small”
Chapter 26 – “Job Declares God’s Greatness”
Chapter 27 – “Job’s Final Defense of His Integrity”
Chapter 28 – “The Treasure of True Wisdom”
(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be 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 — “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom: and to depart from evil is understanding.” – Job 28:28
I Do – Watch Me Study
Job Chapter 24
“When Justice Feels Delayed”
(Read Job Chapter 24 First)
Job 24 opens with Job wrestling with a deep question: If God sees and knows all, why does it seem like He delays His justice? Job is struggling with what many of us have felt watching people live in sin and selfishness while their lives appear to flourish, and wondering why God doesn’t step in right away.
In verses 2–11, Job lists the wicked acts of people who oppress, neglect, and exploit the poor. They take what isn’t theirs, push aside the vulnerable, and even profit from their suffering. And yet, the cries of these oppressed people seem unanswered.
Can you relate to that? Have you ever prayed for God to act in a situation of injustice and felt like He stayed silent? Maybe you’ve tried to live in obedience, only to see others who ignore God’s ways seemingly prosper. That’s exactly where Job’s heart is here. He’s torn between his trust in God’s justice and his struggle to understand God’s timing.
This chapter challenges us to understand the tension that Job felt. It’s not wrong to bring these hard questions to God. In fact, it can deepen our faith when we do. As we read, we’re invited to notice how Job is brutally honest in prayer and that’s something God can handle from us, too.
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Job Chapter 25
“God Is Great, We Are Small”
(Read Job Chapter 25 First)
In Job 25, Bildad gives his final speech, and he packs it with truths about God’s greatness and our smallness. He reminds Job that God is the source of fear, dominion, and peace. His power is unmatched, His armies are countless, and His sight misses nothing. No one is hidden from Him.
While Bildad’s words about God’s majesty and man’s unworthiness are true, we must remember his speech comes in the context of wrongly accusing Job. Even truth can be misused when applied without compassion or discernment.
Bildad’s main point is: If even the moon and stars, creations we see as pure and beautiful, are not pure in God’s sight, then how much less is man, who is sinful by nature? Bildad compares humanity to a worm, highlighting how enormous the gap is between God’s holiness and our fallen state.
When we really think about this truth, it humbles us. It takes away any illusion that we can “plead our case” before God based on our own goodness. We are reminded that only through His mercy and grace, not our goodness, can we stand before Him. This is why Jesus’ sacrifice is everything for us. Without Him, we are unworthy; with Him, we are made righteous.
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We Do – Let’s Study Together
Job Chapter 26
“Job Declares God’s Greatness”
(Read Job Chapter 26 First)
Job begins by challenging Bildad’s supposed wisdom with some sarcastic questions. Essentially, he’s asking, “If you know so much, how have you actually helped the weak or the helpless? How have you saved those without strength? How have you counseled those with no wisdom?” It’s a good moment for us to pause and think…when we speak to others about God, are our words truly helping them, or are we just showing off what we know?
From there, Job turns our attention to God’s unmatched power. Nothing is hidden from Him. Nothing in the depths of the earth and nothing in the vast heavens. Job paints picture after picture of God’s authority: He hangs the earth on nothing, holds oceans in their boundaries, and stores water in clouds without them bursting. He commands the seas, marks the horizon, and has authority over all creation.
Together, we can let this passage stir our awe. The God who can do all these things is the same God who sees us, hears us, and holds our lives. And yet, Job says we’re only catching a tiny glimpse of His greatness.
So what does that mean for us this week? It means we can trust Him even when life feels uncertain because His power is limitless, His wisdom is perfect, and His vision sees far beyond our own. It means when we feel weak or without answers, we don’t need clever speeches from friends; we need to go straight to the One who hangs the earth on nothing. And it means we should speak to others from a place of compassion and truth, pointing them to God’s greatness instead of our own knowledge.
This week, I challenge you to do two things:
1. Spend intentional time reflecting on God’s greatness. Each day, take a few minutes to read Job 26:5–14 slowly. Let your mind picture the images Job describes…the earth hanging on nothing, the seas contained, the horizon set in place. Then thank God for His unmatched power and the fact that He cares for you personally.
2. Be mindful of how you speak into someone else’s struggle. Before you offer advice, pause and pray. Ask yourself, Will my words bring help, hope, and truth? Or will they simply display what I know? Let compassion and God’s truth guide your conversations.
By doing these two things, you’ll be practicing what Job’s words invite us to do which is keeping our eyes fixed on God’s power while also keeping our words and actions full of grace.
“Job’s Final Defense of His Integrity”
(Read Job Chapter 27 First)
Job begins this chapter acknowledging that God has allowed all his trouble, yet he affirms that God’s Spirit still lives within him. Even in his pain, Job pledges not to speak wickedness or deceit, even though he longs to justify himself to his friends. He will not lose his integrity.
Do we still care about integrity today?
Integrity is a choice we make to remain innocent, upright, morally whole, and consistent in character.
For Job, “mine integrity” means:
• Moral uprightness before God. He has lived in obedience and reverence.
• Honesty about the truth.He refuses to falsely admit guilt just to end the argument.
• Inner wholeness. Staying true to himself before God without hypocrisy.
In other words, Job is saying:
“I will never lie and say you are right about me being a secret sinner. I will hold fast to my innocence and honest walk with God until the day I die.”
This is not pride. It’s a commitment to truthfulness and righteousness under pressure.
Let’s break down Verses 8–10: The Hypocrite’s Hopelessness
Verse 8 – “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?”
• A hypocrite lives a double life. They pretend to serve God while secretly in sin.
• Any earthly gain is worthless when God requires his life.
Verse 9 – “Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?”
• When hardship strikes, the hypocrite can cry out, but God may not respond favorably because the relationship wasn’t real to begin with.
This implies that God listens to those who are sincere, but may not to those who only turn to Him when desperate.
Verse 10 – “Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?”
• The hypocrite does not truly love God. He seeks Him only for benefits.
• He will not continually seek God in both good times and bad.
Here’s the big picture:
Job contrasts himself with the hypocrite. His friends’ accusations don’t fit him. He has a genuine relationship with God, which is why he refuses to let go of his integrity.
Now, let’s break down verses 11–23: The Ultimate End of the Wicked
In these verses, Job will try to teach his friends what they should already know…that the end of the wicked is destruction.
• Their children may be many, but some will die by violence, others will go hungry.
• They will not be mourned when they die.
• Their riches and fine clothing will end up in the hands of the righteous.
• Their homes are flimsy and temporary.
• Fear and judgment from God will overtake them, and they will be cast away.
I want to point out one thing that confused me, so I did some research for clarification…
Job is speaking of the ultimate outcome of the wicked and not necessarily what their life looks like here and now. Earlier (Job 21) he observed that the wicked can prosper temporarily and even die peacefully. Here, he affirms that God’s justice will still come in His timing.
What is Wickedness?
Hebrew (Old Testament):
• (Rashaʿ) – lawlessness, injustice, guilt; actively turning from God’s ways.
• (Avon) – moral crookedness, guilt; the sin and its consequences.
Greek (New Testament):
• (Ponēria) – depravity, deliberate evil, harmful intent flowing from an evil heart.
Let’s explore what the Bible says about wickedness.
• Psalm 10:4 says “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”
• Proverbs 6:16–19 says “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, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
• Isaiah 55:7 says “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
• Romans 1:29 says “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,”
According to God’s Word, wickedness is not just outwardly evil actions, but a heart that rejects God. It shows up in pride, lying, violence, deceit, lust, envy, selfish ambition, and hatred. The wicked may prosper for a season or even die in peace, but their lives are marked by separation from God. They will ultimately face God’s righteous judgment. Yet, in His mercy, the Lord invites the wicked to forsake their ways and return to Him, promising abundant mercy and forgiveness.
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You Do – Apply It Personally
Job Chapter 28
“The Treasure of True Wisdom”
(Read Job Chapter 28 First)
Job begins this chapter by painting a picture of human skill and determination. Men dig into the earth, braving dark, dangerous places, even controlling underground waters, just to uncover silver, gold, iron, and precious stones. They explore places unseen by birds, animals, or any human foot to bring what was hidden into the light. Job uses this imagery to make a powerful point: while man can uncover earthly treasures, true wisdom is far more precious and cannot be mined or bought.
Wisdom is not found in the land of the living for us to dig up. Its value surpasses even the finest jewels, yet its source is entirely from God. God knows the way to wisdom; He measures the winds, weighs the waters, controls the rains, and brings order to the world. In the end of this chapter, Job told us God’s own definition of wisdom:
“Behold, the fear of the Lord is wisdom: and to depart from evil is understanding.” – Job 28:28
Let’s see how we can apply Job 28 to our own life:
1. Seek wisdom from God and not the world.
• Just as miners labor to find treasure, we must be intentional in seeking God through prayer, Scripture, and listening to His Spirit. But unlike earthly wealth, wisdom comes as a gift from the Lord when we surrender our lives to Him.
2. Value what is eternal over what is temporary.
• True wisdom surpasses gold and silver. Pause and ask yourself: Are you chasing your “right now” desires or are you seeking God’s perspective in your decisions and relationships?
3. Fear the Lord daily.
• The “fear of the Lord” is a reverent awe, a recognition of His power, and a willingness to obey Him. This daily routine opens our hearts to understanding and guides us away from sin.
4. Trust God’s timing and guidance.
• Wisdom cannot be rushed or manufactured. As we grow in relationship with God, He gently reveals insight for the choices, challenges, and opportunities of each day.
Reflection Questions:
• What areas of your life do you need God’s wisdom for right now?
• Are there decisions or problems you’re trying to “figure out” on your own instead of seeking God?
• How can you cultivate a daily fear of the Lord that leads to understanding?
• Do you value God’s wisdom more than worldly success or possessions?
Key Takeaway:
Trust God’s timing, hold fast to integrity, and seek His wisdom above all else. Remember…what is hidden from the world is revealed to those who fear the Lord.
Heavenly Father,
I want to thank you for another week of us coming together to study and learn from You through the book of Job. We saw this week that we must trust Your timing even when we feel that justice is not being done in our eyes. We must bring those hard thoughts to you when we have questions. We see just how worthy You are of our praise as Your majesty and greatness are revealed to us in Your Word. We thank You for Your mercy, grace, and sacrifice for us. Lord, help us with this week’s challenge to keep us in awe of your greatness and to pray about our intentions before we offer others words of advice. Let compassion guide us this week. Help us to seek wisdom from You through a surrendered life, keep our minds focused on eternal things, fear and obey You, and trust Your timing and guidance.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
The Georgia Nest 