Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness To by Job

◄ Poor: Kindness To by Job ►

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In the biblical narrative, Job is presented as a man of great wealth and righteousness, yet he is also depicted as one who shows profound kindness and generosity to the poor. The Book of Job, primarily a poetic and philosophical text, provides insights into Job's character and his actions towards those in need, reflecting a deep commitment to justice and compassion.

Job's Righteousness and Wealth

Job is introduced as a man who is "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His wealth is described in terms of livestock, servants, and a large household, indicating his significant social and economic status (Job 1:3). Despite his affluence, Job's righteousness is not merely a personal attribute but is demonstrated through his actions, particularly his treatment of the poor and marginalized.

Job's Defense of His Actions

In his defense against the accusations of his friends, Job recounts his past deeds to assert his integrity. He emphasizes his commitment to justice and his active role in aiding the poor. Job declares, "I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him" (Job 29:12). This statement highlights his proactive approach in seeking out and assisting those in distress.

Compassionate Acts

Job's kindness extends beyond mere charity; it is rooted in a deep sense of empathy and responsibility. He states, "I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger" (Job 29:15-16). These verses illustrate Job's comprehensive care for the vulnerable, providing not only material support but also advocacy and protection.

Justice and Fairness

Job's treatment of the poor is also characterized by fairness and justice. He asserts, "If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless" (Job 31:16-17), indicating his commitment to equitable distribution and his refusal to exploit or neglect those in need.

Moral and Spiritual Responsibility

Job's actions towards the poor are not merely social duties but are deeply intertwined with his spiritual convictions. He recognizes the moral imperative to care for the less fortunate as an integral part of his relationship with God. His kindness to the poor is a reflection of his understanding of divine justice and mercy, as he seeks to emulate these attributes in his own life.

In summary, Job's kindness to the poor is a testament to his righteousness and his understanding of God's call to justice and compassion. His actions serve as a model of how wealth and power can be used to uplift and support those in need, embodying the biblical principles of love and charity.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 29:11-16
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
Nave's Topical Index

Job 31:16-21,38-40
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On Kindness and Its Several Parts, Namely, Good-Will and ...
... The first thing necessary is to do kindness in good ... individuals, whom the mouth of
the poor, and not ... Wherefore Job says beautifully: "Let the blessing of him ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxx on kindness and.htm

On Helping the Poor.
... For He openeth His hand, and filleth every living thing with His kindness: giving
wheat ... And whence shall the poor among the people be maintained ... [2936] Job 20:18 ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

The Voice of Job.
... If we dare, like Job, to plead with him in any of ... Chastise us, we pray thee, in loving
kindness, and we shall ... it takes the very heart out of my poor love to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the voice of job.htm

The Loftiness of God
... above all your sorrows, by mistaken kindness, and comforters ... Job's comforters did
so, and spoke very righteous ... to justify God and to break poor Job's heart, and ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxix the loftiness of.htm

How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth ...
... shew me wherefore thou contendest with me," Job 10:2 ... for their ill-improving of his
favour and kindness when they ... 2. By advocating the poor man's cause in heaven ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvi how is christ.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... Job 21:14, 15 ... About this time, the state and happiness of these poor people at Bedford
was ... by this time I had got more experience of the love and kindness of God ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

How no one Can be Continually Intent Upon that Highest Good.
... Who when ministering support to the poor, or when receiving with benevolent kindness
the crowds that ... Footnotes: [2248] Psalm 34.(xxxv.) 10; Job 29:17. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter v how no one.htm

Hell on Earth
... passions tamed down by care and kindness, and then ... and in all countries, 'This poor
possessed maniac's ... That wonderful story of Job's temptation, which you may ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon ix hell on earth.htm

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
... Doubtless, kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days ... ability, to have one or
more poor Christians, whose ... with thy meat; imitating holy Job, who protested ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/things to be meditated on.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... us learn today to imitate the example of Job, and pray ... I have a poor brother, a poor
child of ... perhaps more faith, certainly more brotherly kindness, they will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm