Topical Bible: The Poor: Regard For: Job

◄ The Poor: Regard For: Job ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, Job is presented as a paragon of righteousness and integrity, particularly in his regard for the poor and needy. The Book of Job, one of the wisdom books of the Old Testament, provides a profound insight into Job's character and his compassionate actions towards those less fortunate.

Job's Righteousness and Compassion

Job is introduced as a man of great wealth and influence, yet his heart is portrayed as deeply compassionate towards the poor. In Job 1:1, he is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil." This description sets the stage for understanding his moral and ethical conduct, including his treatment of the impoverished.

Job's Defense of His Actions

In his defense against the accusations of his friends, Job recounts his past actions to demonstrate his righteousness. In Job 29:12-16 , he states:

> "For I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger."

These verses highlight Job's active role in alleviating the suffering of the poor and marginalized. His actions are not merely passive or obligatory; they are described with vivid imagery that conveys his deep commitment to justice and mercy.

Job's Integrity in Social Justice

Job's regard for the poor is further emphasized in his self-examination and declarations of innocence. In Job 31:16-22 , he reflects on his conduct:

> "If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless—though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow—if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak, if he did not bless me as he warmed himself with the fleece of my sheep, if I have raised my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be broken off at the joint."

Here, Job articulates a series of conditional statements that underscore his commitment to social justice. He presents his care for the poor as an integral part of his life, rooted in a deep sense of responsibility and empathy.

Job's Example for Believers

Job's regard for the poor serves as a model for believers, illustrating the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and caring for the least among us. His life exemplifies the call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Through his actions, Job demonstrates that true righteousness involves a proactive and compassionate response to the needs of others, reflecting the heart of God towards the poor and oppressed.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 29:12-16
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
... But our defence of the poor must needs be found ... of dragons, and a companion of owls
(Job 30:29 ... Further, with regard to the Photinianists, let thy Fraternity pay ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxvi to maximus bishop.htm

The Story of Job
... I regard not myself; I hate my life; it is all one to me. ... Job again spoke and said ...
called me happy, He who saw me bore me witness, For I saved the poor who cried ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of job.htm

It is Proved by the Witness of Scripture that all Duty is Either " ...
... on thee than thou on him, since he is thy debtor in regard to thy ... Dost thou wonder
at the judgment of God in the case of holy Job? ... I was a father to the poor. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi it is proved.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... I have faith in God for to-morrow with regard to my ... allows his people to be a tried
and a poor people, just ... plagued in his life, I think, than he was with Job. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

The Voice of Job.
... traditional theories which have served their poor turn, satisfied ... hide me in the
grave!' Job appeals to ... whom his sufferings compel him to regard as displeased ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the voice of job.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... Such was Job when he said, (Job 1:21) "The Lord gave ... the rich man, if he act thus
in regard of his wealth, will destroy himself before the poor, heaping up ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... Job 21:14, 15. ... About this time I began to break my mind to those poor people in ... within
me, in wicked thoughts and desires, which I did not regard before; my ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... I am perfect, it shall prove me perverse," (Job 9:20 ... right (thus men are called humble
in regard to each ... in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

Of Scoffing and Derision.
... In regard of ourselves, it makes us apprehend our own ... assigned as the store-house
of the poor, so the ... It is part of Job's justification of his integrity, that ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vii of scoffing and.htm

Letter ix. --Death of Self-Love.
... this sovereign Master pleases to do to His poor creature, and to ... abased in this heap
of mire, like Job on his ... in this, the kind conduct of God in your regard. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter ix death of self-love.htm