Taste and See

How can I have “the tongue of the learned” (Isa 50:4)? I'll need first “to hear as the learned” from the Lord.

“One of the greatest rewards for serving God is the permission to do still more for Him.” —C.H. Spurgeon 

Is being half-right better than all wrong? Not if it makes you presume you know more than you do. 

It is an unsettling mistake God's people often make, that if I can't see the Lord, then He doesn't see me. 

“To love all men is the greatest virtue; to be impartial in love is the greatest wisdom.” —Mencius 

“Let me ne'er forget…though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.” —M.D. Babcock 

A non-confidence vote in God will dissolve His government, and “all flesh would perish together” (Job 34:15).

Between “the law of sin and death” and “the law of the spirit of life” is the Spirit's call to abide in Christ. 

Miracles—barring the creation of the world—always start with problems. No problems, no miracles.

Job is a shadow of Jesus at the heart of our gospel, displaying “the best man in the worst fortune.” 

Job isn't suffering for sin, but he needs to watch out that his suffering doesn't lead him to sin! 

Nothing “is more hateful to God than idolatry, for idolatry is at bottom a libel on His character.” —A.W. Tozer 

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Prov 12:15). 

Job has compared himself to other men and looks good as a result. But what happens when he meets God?

We weren't expecting young Elihu, especially when he tells us he's expecting divine revelation! 

“What is happening to our youth? They disrespect their elders.…They riot in the streets…” —Socrates 

Sow an act; you reap a habit. Sow a habit; you reap a character. Sow a character; you reap a destiny.

Hallmark, landmark, trademark, watermark, postmark—all are used to identify for a purpose. 

“When the wickedness of the wicked grieves and humbles…Christians…you may expect a revival.” —Charles Finney 

The one who responds before he has all the facts is both foolish and shameful. See Proverbs 18:13. 

“Still I stand the tempest's shock, For my anchor grips the rock.” —W.C. Martin 

The Lord has called us in some measure into “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Php 3:10).

God could keep the enemy always at bay if He chose to, but He didn't with His Son, nor does He with us. 

This lesson overlaps two chapters (Job 29:21–30:19). Was the change so abrupt that a division was inserted? 

Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Except this: “I am the Lord, I do not change” (Mal 3:6). 

Every one of God's creatures should be valued, but if they want respect, that needs to be earned. 

The danger of always dwelling on the past is that I might miss the possibilities of the present. 

If divine wisdom arranged the path of water drops and lightning bolts, would it not include your path, too?

No pressure, no diamonds. No digging, no gold. No challenges, no wisdom. It's as obvious as that.

The book of Job is included in that section of the Bible titled “Wisdom Literature” for a reason. 

The difficult paths of believers and unbelievers may seem similar. But Job says there are big distinctions! 

Hypocrisy in our day uses the best of Christian beliefs to disguise the worst of Christian behavior. 

“The ways of creation are wrapt in mystery. We may only marvel, and bow our head.” —Albert Einstein 

Yes, God helps those who help themselves—to the resources He's made available to us in Christ.

“How Thou canst think so well of us, Yet be the God Thou art, Is darkness to my intellect, But sunshine to my heart.” —F.W. Faber 

Oh the tragedy that the unrepentant wicked will see the Lamb all right, but in His wrath, not His love. 

We're not only the richest people in the world, but the richest in all of history. We'll give account for that!

“When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong” (Eccl 8:11, NLT). Job agrees.

Job is not only disturbed that he is being punished—and for what?—but that the wicked are not.

As much as possible, look up, not down; look forward, not back; look after others, not just yourself. 

We need to be careful of our wishes—we might just get them! Did Job really want to confront God? 

“Nothing is so near to me as God. God is nearer to me than I am to myself.” —Meister Eckhart (c 1260–1328) 

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (Ps 51:12).

Job raises a warning to his friends that we all need to heed—the danger of judgmental shortsightedness. 

Jesus called the people to notice the image on their coins' obverse, and then see the image on them!

Half full or half empty? It all depends on whether you're pouring something in or drinking it up. 

In an unexpected way, the grim waves of words crashing against Job drove him into the arms of God. 

There was no “tooting your own horn” in those days. This is more like Zophar on his shofar! 

“Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!'” —Thomas S. Monson 

Truth is progressively revealed, but that doesn't deny that seeds of future full-grown truths are found early on. 

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Php 1:6, ESV).