How can we avoid the fate described in Job 18:15 through righteous living? The warning in Job 18:15 “Fire resides in his tent; sulfur is scattered over his dwelling.” (Job 18:15) Bildad paints a picture of the wicked man’s home suddenly engulfed in burning judgment—total loss, no escape, nothing left to stand on. Why judgment falls • Persistent rebellion against God • Unrepentant sin that finally invites divine justice • A life built on self-reliance instead of reverent fear of the LORD (cf. Proverbs 1:7) Living so the fire never reaches our tent 1. Cultivate holy awe • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” (Proverbs 1:7) • Daily remind yourself that God sees, knows, and will one day judge every thought and deed. 2. Guard the inner life • “Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Check motives, confess sin quickly, refuse bitterness or lust a place to lodge. 3. Walk in consistent integrity • “I will walk with integrity of heart in my house.” (Psalm 101:2) • Let the same righteousness mark you at work, online, and behind closed doors. 4. Pursue personal holiness • “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) • Set practical boundaries—media choices, friendships, spending habits—that keep your life clean. 5. Close every foothold to the enemy • “Do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:27) • Renounce occult involvement, unforgiveness, secret sins, and anything that grants Satan access. 6. Stay active in doing good • “Let us not grow weary in doing good.” (Galatians 6:9) • Serve, give, encourage—good works strengthen spiritual walls against judgment. Daily habits that reinforce righteousness • Begin and end each day in the Word—let Scripture set your worldview. • Memorize short verses; recite them when tempted. • Keep short accounts: confess sin immediately, seek reconciliation quickly. • Choose companions who love Christ; iron sharpens iron. • Set aside regular times to thank God for deliverance and provision. The outcome of righteous living When we fear God, guard the heart, and practice holiness, the “fire” of judgment passes over. Instead of sulfur-scorched ruins, our homes become places where God’s glory dwells, our legacies bless future generations, and our lives testify that obedience truly is the safest shelter. |
    |