What does "his heart blessed me" reveal about Job's relationship with others? Setting the Scene • In Job 31 Job defends his integrity, recalling how he treated the needy. • Verse 20 captures one snapshot: “if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep.” • Job pictures a poor man who received a garment and, moved with gratitude, “blessed” Job from the heart. The Phrase in Context • “His heart” points to a genuine, inner response, not a forced courtesy. • “Blessed me” indicates spoken or unspoken praise directed toward Job—and ultimately toward God for using Job as the channel of help (cf. Proverbs 10:7). • Job places this heartfelt blessing alongside tangible aid (“warming him with the fleece”) to demonstrate both action and relationship. What “His Heart Blessed Me” Tells Us • Compassionate Engagement – Job knew the poor personally. He was close enough to see their need and receive their thanks (Job 31:16-19). • Consistent Generosity – The man’s warm hearted blessing implies Job’s giving was not occasional but habitual; people expected kindness from him. • Dignity Restored – By supplying quality wool, Job honored the man’s worth, prompting gratitude that arose from restored comfort and dignity (cf. Isaiah 58:7-8). • Mutual Relationship – The phrase pictures a two-way exchange: Job gives materially; the recipient gives sincere blessing. It is fellowship, not mere charity (Acts 20:35). • God-Centered Reputation – In Hebrew thought, blessings carry spiritual weight (Genesis 12:2-3). The poor man’s blessing affirms Job’s standing before God; Job treasures it as evidence of righteous living. Wider Biblical Echoes • Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 15:10: “Give generously to him…because of this the LORD your God will bless you.” • Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • 2 Corinthians 9:11: Generosity “will result in thanksgiving to God.” Takeaways for Today • Genuine care leads to genuine gratitude. Look for personal involvement, not distant donations. • Acts of kindness that restore dignity create lasting, heartfelt bonds. • A good name before people often mirrors faithfulness before God (Proverbs 22:1). • Expect reciprocal blessing—words of thanks, prayers, and spiritual encouragement—as part of God’s design for charitable living. |
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