What does "blessing of the perishing" reveal about Job's character and priorities? Context Setting Job 29 is Job’s bittersweet recollection of life before his trials. Verse 13 reads: “The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing.” Who Are “the Perishing”? • Those on the brink of death through illness, starvation, or violence • People society had already written off—“ready to perish” (cf. Deuteronomy 26:5; Isaiah 57:13) • The most helpless, unable to repay kindness The Weight of Their “Blessing” • A blessing from the “perishing” has no earthly leverage; it is pure gratitude, not political capital • Receiving it means Job was present in their final, most vulnerable moments • Scripture views the helpless person’s blessing as carrying heaven’s endorsement (Proverbs 19:17; Psalm 41:1) What It Reveals About Job’s Character • Compassionate: He felt pain that was not his own (Romans 12:15) • Courageous: He entered disease-ridden, dangerous places rather than avoiding them (Luke 10:33-35 parallel) • Humble: He served people who could not elevate his status • Consistent: This mercy was a settled pattern, not a one-time act (Job 29:12-17) What It Reveals About Job’s Priorities • People over possessions—he invested time and resources where there was no earthly return (Matthew 6:19-21) • Eternity over reputation—seeking heaven’s commendation instead of man’s applause (Colossians 3:23-24) • Justice and mercy as twin non-negotiables (Micah 6:8; James 1:27) • Reflecting God’s own heart for the dying and forgotten (Psalm 68:5) Practical Take-Aways • Seek out the unseen—nursing homes, hospice wards, prison sick bays • Give dignity—listen, touch, speak names; the perishing notice genuine honor • Measure success by heaven’s scoreboard—the gratitude of the helpless is evidence of God’s favor • Keep generosity personal—checks help, presence heals (Isaiah 58:10) Job’s testimony shows that a godly life is validated not by comfort but by the “blessing of the perishing.” |
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