Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. Be carefulThe phrase "Be careful" serves as a cautionary directive, urging vigilance and mindfulness. In the Hebrew text, the root word is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, keep, or watch over. This word is often used in the context of guarding one's heart and actions against sin and temptation. The call to be careful is a reminder of the constant spiritual vigilance required to maintain integrity and righteousness in the face of worldly temptations. that no one lures you with riches do not let a large bribe lead you astray Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it. 2. Elihu A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a different perspective on Job's suffering, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty. 3. Uz The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia. 4. God The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing and ultimately restores him, demonstrating His wisdom and justice. 5. Satan The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity. Teaching Points Guard Against Material TemptationWealth and material possessions can easily become idols, leading us away from our devotion to God. We must be vigilant in maintaining our spiritual priorities. Integrity Over Wealth Our integrity and relationship with God should never be compromised for financial gain. True riches are found in a life lived in obedience to God. Contentment in God's Provision Trusting in God's provision and being content with what we have protects us from the lure of riches and the deceitfulness of wealth. The Danger of Bribery Accepting or giving bribes undermines justice and righteousness. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold truth and integrity in all our dealings. Eternal Perspective Keeping an eternal perspective helps us to value what truly matters and prevents us from being swayed by temporary, worldly wealth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the warning in Job 36:18 about being lured by riches apply to our modern context, and what practical steps can we take to guard against this temptation?2. In what ways can the pursuit of wealth lead us away from our relationship with God, and how can we ensure that our priorities remain aligned with His will? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision involving integrity and financial gain. How did you handle it, and what biblical principles guided your decision? 4. How can we cultivate contentment in our lives, and what role does gratitude play in protecting us from the desire for more wealth? 5. Consider the role of bribery in today's society. How can Christians stand against corruption and promote justice in their communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 11:4This verse highlights that riches do not profit in the day of wrath, connecting to the warning against being lured by wealth in Job 36:18. Matthew 6:24 Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and money, reinforcing the idea that wealth can lead one astray from true devotion to God. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 Paul warns about the dangers of desiring to be rich, which can lead to temptation and a snare, echoing the caution in Job 36:18.
People Elihu, JobPlaces UzTopics Abundance, Aside, Atonement, Avail, Beware, Bribe, Chastisement, Chastisements, Deliver, Entice, Entices, Greatness, Large, Led, Lest, Move, Ransom, Riches, Scoffing, Size, Stir, Stroke, Sufficiency, Turn, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Job 36:18 5238 bribery Library Whether by his Passion Christ Merited to be Exalted?Objection 1: It seems that Christ did not merit to be exalted on account of His Passion. For eminence of rank belongs to God alone, just as knowledge of truth, according to Ps. 112:4: "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." But Christ as man had the knowledge of all truth, not on account of any preceding merit, but from the very union of God and man, according to Jn. 1:14: "We saw His glory . . . as it were of the only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth." … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Acquired his Judiciary Power by his Merits? Whether Christ Will Judge under the Form of his Humanity? Whether the Old Law was from God? Whether Man Can Know that He Has Grace? Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty? Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation? The Great Teacher "That which was from the Beginning," Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin? Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen? Divine Grace. Messiah's Easy Yoke Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. The Greatness of the Soul, Job Links Job 36:18 NIVJob 36:18 NLT Job 36:18 ESV Job 36:18 NASB Job 36:18 KJV Job 36:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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