Give and Take

Job continues his response to his friends in verses 7-25 of chapter 12. He tells his friends that God is in control, the very birds of the air and animals can attest to this. Wisdom is not just reserved for the aged, the common sense of our experience can tell us much. He says that just as the tongue discerns taste, so the ear can discern words, and the words in this case do not fit the experience. So what is one to trust?

Job makes his understanding of God's power and authority clear in his reply. His words in this chapter seem to foreshadow later words of a coming messiah, and especially the words of Jesus mother from Luke chapter one-

51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

As Job stated earlier, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. In his deeds and understanding, if we consider him the object of play in the divine game between God and Satan, he is coming closer to giving God a "checkmate." Refusing to allow his reverence for God to rest upon blessing or favor. How many other mortals can truly say their love for God exists without condition of favor on this earth?