What steps can we take to avoid the fate described in Job 18:12? Job 18:12—The Warning in One Line “His strength is depleted, calamity is ready at his side.” What Bildad Is Saying The wicked man who trusts his own power eventually finds that power drained, with disaster crouching next to him, ready to strike. Scripture presents this as a real, literal outcome—not a mere metaphor. How Do We Stay Out of That Path? Step 1 – Lean on God, Not Self • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Swap self-reliance for God-reliance in daily decisions—finances, relationships, work. • Regularly confess areas where you’ve been “running on your own strength” and intentionally invite the Lord to lead. Step 2 – Plant Good Seed • Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” • Sow righteousness—truthful speech, honest business dealings, generous giving. • Weed out bitterness, deception, and compromise before they take root. Step 3 – Fight Pride Early • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Build humility practices: thank-you notes, secret acts of service, quick apologies. • Remember 1 Corinthians 10:12: “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” Step 4 – Pursue Holiness Daily • Psalm 1:1-3 describes the blessed person who avoids ungodly counsel and delights in God’s law; “whatever he does prospers.” • Schedule scripture intake and obedience time just as firmly as meals and work. • Refuse entertainment that normalizes sin; feed the soul with what is pure. Step 5 – Stay Spiritually Armed • Ephesians 6:10-11: “Be strong in the Lord… Put on the full armor of God.” • Helmet of salvation—remind yourself whose you are. • Sword of the Spirit—quote scripture when temptation whispers. • Shield of faith—raise it against doubt and discouragement. Step 6 – Practice Vigilant Watchfulness • 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” • Do regular heart checks: Am I drifting? Am I excusing sin? • Invite trusted believers to speak correction before calamity stands at your side. Step 7 – Pursue Kingdom Priorities • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Prioritize worship gatherings, gospel witness, and acts of mercy over personal comfort. • Align your calendar and bank statement with eternal values; this guards against the emptiness Bildad describes. Step 8 – Embrace Contentment in Christ • Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” • Gratitude journals, verbal thanks, and generous living keep the soul nourished, so strength is renewed instead of depleted. Living the Contrast Job 18 portrays strength shriveling and calamity waiting in ambush. By clinging to the Lord, sowing righteousness, killing pride, wearing the armor, and walking in daily contentment, we position ourselves for the opposite outcome promised in passages like Psalm 1 and Isaiah 40:31—“those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength”. |
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