Job 17:8

The upright are appalled at this, and the innocent are stirred against the godless.

Study Bible

The upright
The Hebrew word for "upright" is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), which conveys a sense of being straight, right, or just. In the context of Job, the "upright" refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and maintain integrity despite life's challenges. Historically, the upright were seen as models of virtue and righteousness, often admired by their communities. In the narrative of Job, the upright are those who, like Job, strive to live blamelessly before God, even when faced with suffering and confusion.

are appalled
The Hebrew root "שָׁמַם" (shamem) means to be desolate, astonished, or appalled. This word captures the deep sense of shock and dismay that the upright feel when witnessing the suffering of the righteous, like Job. It reflects a profound disturbance at the apparent injustice in the world, where the godly suffer while the wicked seem to prosper. This reaction underscores the tension between human understanding and divine justice, a central theme in the Book of Job.

at this
The phrase "at this" refers to the situation of Job's suffering and the broader question of why the righteous endure hardship. It points to the specific circumstances that cause the upright to be appalled, highlighting the perplexing nature of Job's trials. This phrase invites readers to consider the broader implications of suffering and the mystery of God's ways, encouraging a deeper exploration of faith and trust in divine wisdom.

and the innocent
The term "innocent" comes from the Hebrew "נָקִי" (naqi), meaning clean, free from guilt, or blameless. In the context of Job, the innocent are those who, like Job, have not committed any wrongdoing deserving of their suffering. This word emphasizes the purity and righteousness of those who are unjustly afflicted, reinforcing the theme of undeserved suffering and the challenge it poses to human understanding of justice.

are stirred
The Hebrew word "יָגַר" (yagar) means to be aroused, agitated, or stirred up. This word conveys a sense of emotional and moral agitation, as the innocent are moved to respond to the injustice they witness. It suggests a call to action or a deep emotional response, highlighting the impact of witnessing suffering on those who are righteous and innocent.

against the godless
The phrase "against the godless" refers to those who live without regard for God or His commandments. The Hebrew word "חָנֵף" (chaneph) is often translated as "godless" or "hypocrite," indicating a person who is morally corrupt or irreverent. In the context of Job, the godless are those who seem to escape suffering despite their wickedness, creating a moral and spiritual tension for the innocent and upright. This phrase underscores the struggle between righteousness and wickedness, a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible, and calls believers to trust in God's ultimate justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A 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. The Upright
Refers to those who live righteously and in accordance with God's laws. In this context, they are appalled by the injustices and suffering that Job endures.

3. The Innocent
Those who are morally pure and free from guilt. They are stirred or provoked by the actions and attitudes of the godless.

4. The Godless
Individuals who live without regard for God or His commandments. They are often seen as the source of injustice and suffering in the world.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the sovereignty of God.

Teaching Points

Righteous Indignation
The reaction of the upright and innocent to injustice is one of righteous indignation. This is a natural and appropriate response to the presence of evil and godlessness in the world.

Moral Sensitivity
Believers are called to maintain a sensitivity to sin and injustice, being stirred to action and prayer when confronted with the godlessness around them.

Community of the Righteous
The upright and innocent form a community that stands against the godless. Christians are encouraged to support one another in maintaining righteousness and opposing evil.

God's Justice
While the godless may seem to prosper temporarily, believers can trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness, knowing that He will vindicate the upright.

Encouragement in Suffering
Job's experience reminds believers that suffering is not always a result of personal sin, and the reactions of the upright can serve as encouragement to those enduring trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reaction of the upright and innocent in Job 17:8 challenge us to respond to injustice in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a community that supports righteousness and opposes godlessness, as seen in Job 17:8?

3. How do the themes in Job 17:8 relate to the teachings in Psalm 37 and Proverbs 29:27 about the fate of the wicked and the righteous?

4. What can we learn from Job's experience about maintaining faith and integrity in the face of suffering and injustice?

5. How does understanding God's ultimate justice provide comfort and encouragement when we are appalled by the actions of the godless?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 37
This Psalm contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, similar to the themes in Job 17:8, where the upright are appalled by the actions of the godless.

Proverbs 29:27
This verse speaks about the righteous detesting the unjust, which aligns with the reaction of the upright and innocent in Job 17:8.

Habakkuk 1:13
The prophet Habakkuk questions why God tolerates the treacherous, paralleling the sentiments of the upright and innocent in Job 17:8.