How can we avoid choosing iniquity as warned in Job 36:21? Living alert to Job 36:21 “Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for that is why you are being tested by affliction.” ( Job 36:21 ) God speaks through Elihu, urging Job—and every reader—to treat hardship as a tutor, not a doorway back into sin. The verse assumes both the reality of affliction and the possibility of choosing unrighteousness in response. Remaining faithful requires intentional steps. Why the warning matters • Affliction exposes the heart. It presses motives, habits, and loyalties to the surface. • Sin promises quick relief, yet adds heavier chains (James 1:14-15). • God’s purpose in testing is refinement, never ruin (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Recognizing the face of iniquity Iniquity is not limited to notorious scandals. It can appear as: • Bitterness that blames God or people for pain. • Self-pity that shifts focus from the Lord to the wound. • Shortcuts—cheating, lying, or moral compromise—to escape pressure. • Prideful self-reliance that shuts out divine help. God’s provision for victory • The indwelling Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • The living Word: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • A trustworthy way of escape: “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear… He will also provide an escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) • Cleansing for failures: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) Daily habits that safeguard the heart 1. Begin and end each day in Scripture, letting truth frame every trial. 2. Memorize key verses that counter your specific weaknesses. 3. Guard thought-life: “Whatever is true… think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) 4. Choose thankful words instead of complaints (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 5. Keep short accounts—confess immediately when convicted. 6. Pursue fellowship with believers who reinforce holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). 7. Serve others amid affliction; love redirects energy away from self-absorption (Galatians 6:2). Practical battle strategies • Flee: “Flee from youthful passions.” (2 Timothy 2:22) • Replace: Swap a tempting environment or activity with a godly one—music, conversation, location. • Resist: “Put on the full armor of God” daily (Ephesians 6:11). • Renew: Speak Scripture aloud when temptation strikes, following Jesus’ pattern in Matthew 4. Encouragement from faithful examples • Joseph resisted temptation in Potiphar’s house and gained a clear conscience plus eventual promotion (Genesis 39). • Paul endured a “thorn” yet served tirelessly, proving Christ’s grace sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). • Jesus, “tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), now intercedes for His people. Choosing righteousness every time Affliction will visit, yet it never forces iniquity. With the Spirit’s power, the guidance of Scripture, and supportive fellowship, believers can meet hardship with steadfast obedience, reflecting the character of Christ and turning testing into triumph. |
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