How does Job 35:7 connect with Romans 3:23 about human righteousness? Key Scriptures Job 35:7 “If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand?” Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Job 35:7—God’s Self-Sufficiency • Elihu reminds Job that even the best of human conduct adds nothing to God’s essential being. • God is entirely complete in Himself (Acts 17:24-25). • Therefore, human righteousness cannot put God in our debt or improve His condition. Romans 3:23—Humanity’s Universal Shortfall • Paul declares that “all have sinned,” ending every claim to intrinsic goodness. • To “fall short” pictures an arrow that never reaches the target of God’s perfect glory (Psalm 14:2-3; Isaiah 53:6). • This sweeping verdict places every person on equal footing—needy, guilty, unable to meet God’s standard. Connecting the Two Verses • Job 35:7 states that even supposed righteousness gives God nothing; Romans 3:23 says we do not even possess such righteousness. • Together, they expose two layers of our need: – Whatever goodness we offer cannot enrich God. – We do not, in fact, possess goodness that meets His benchmark. • Result: Boasting is impossible (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). Supporting Passages That Echo the Theme • Isaiah 64:6—“all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” • Psalm 51:5—sin is native to the human condition. • Philippians 3:8-9—Paul exchanges his résumé of works for “the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” • Ephesians 2:8-9—salvation “not by works, so that no one may boast.” Why This Matters • Our best efforts cannot obligate God or fix our sin; we need a righteousness outside ourselves (Romans 1:17). • Christ provides that righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Recognizing God’s self-sufficiency and our universal fallenness leads us to depend wholly on grace, not performance. Takeaways for Daily Living • Approach God with humble gratitude, not leverage. • Rest in Christ’s finished work instead of striving to earn favor. • Extend grace to others, remembering we all “fall short” and stand equally in need of redemption. |
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