How does Job 31:2 connect with Proverbs 11:18 on righteousness and reward? Scripture Focus Job 31:2 – “For what is the allotment of God from above, or the heritage from the Almighty on high?” Proverbs 11:18 – “The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.” Job’s Righteous Question • Job is defending his innocence. • He frames his whole life around a coming “allotment” and “heritage” from God. • The terms point to a literal inheritance—something tangible and guaranteed by the Almighty. • By asking the question, Job reminds himself (and his friends) that every human action is weighed against the sure reward system of God. Proverbs’ Righteous Promise • Solomon states the principle openly: sow righteousness, reap a “true reward.” • The reward is pictured as a harvest—undeniable, observable, and substantial. • The contrast is stark: righteous sowing vs. wicked wages that vanish. Threads that Tie the Two Verses Together • Same Source of Reward ‑ Job calls it “from above… from the Almighty.” ‑ Proverbs roots reward in God’s moral order; wicked gain is “empty,” righteous gain is “true.” • Certainty of Outcome ‑ Job’s term “heritage” implies a guaranteed possession. ‑ Proverbs uses “reaps” to show an inevitable harvest (cf. Galatians 6:7). • Moral Accountability ‑ Job assumes God personally oversees his choices (Job 31:4). ‑ Proverbs teaches a direct cause-and-effect: wicked effort produces nothing lasting; righteous effort produces lasting reward. • Forward-Looking Faith ‑ Job endures suffering with his eyes on that future inheritance (cf. Hebrews 11:6). ‑ Proverbs motivates present righteousness by pointing to coming reward. God’s Reward Economy 1. God Himself is the Dispenser. 2. Righteousness is the seed; obedience is the ground. 3. Harvest is both present (Psalm 112:1-3) and future (Matthew 6:4). 4. Wicked gain looks real but collapses (Proverbs 10:2). Walking It Out • Evaluate motives daily, remembering God’s “allotment.” • Sow righteousness in speech, work, finances, relationships. • Trust the timeline—seedtime and harvest never fail in God’s calendar. • Expect a heritage that cannot be stolen, spoiled, or erased (1 Peter 1:4). |
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