Topical Bible: Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Job

◄ Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Job ►

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Introduction

The Bible presents various examples of individuals who were blessed with material wealth and yet maintained their faithfulness to God. One such prominent figure is Job, whose account is detailed in the Book of Job. Job is often cited as a paragon of patience and righteousness, and his life provides a profound example of how a saint can possess riches while remaining devoted to God.

Job's Wealth and Righteousness

Job is introduced as a man of great wealth and integrity. The Berean Standard Bible describes him as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His wealth is detailed in the opening chapter, where it is noted that he owned "7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants" (Job 1:3). This extensive list of possessions underscores Job's status as "the greatest man of all the people of the East" (Job 1:3).

Job's Faithfulness Amidst Loss

Despite his immense wealth, Job's account is marked by a dramatic shift from prosperity to adversity. Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his righteousness is solely due to his prosperity. God permits Satan to test Job, resulting in the loss of his wealth, children, and health. Despite these severe trials, Job's response is one of profound faith: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).

Restoration and Greater Riches

Job's unwavering faith and patience are ultimately rewarded. After a period of intense suffering and dialogue with his friends, God restores Job's fortunes. The Berean Standard Bible records that "the LORD restored Job’s prosperity and doubled his former possessions" (Job 42:10). Job's wealth is described as even greater than before, with "14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys" (Job 42:12). Additionally, Job is blessed with seven sons and three daughters, and he lives to see four generations of his family (Job 42:13-16).

Significance of Job's Wealth

Job's account illustrates that material wealth, when accompanied by righteousness and faithfulness, can be a blessing from God. His life serves as a testament to the belief that true riches are not merely material but are found in a steadfast relationship with God. Job's example encourages believers to maintain their integrity and trust in God, regardless of their material circumstances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:3
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... are not simply sensual enjoyments, but also riches and luxury. ... to teach us this,
he uses the examples of Sheol ... shall be trodden under the feet of the saints. ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... heart, presenting only frightful pictures and examples of God's ... honorably may be
called the saints, destined, even ... the gold, silver and other riches of this ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... fact that from among them are taken the examples set forth as ... for you have not yet
the true riches of the ... the devil, who is the common enemy of all the saints. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxx a d 412.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ grater riches than the ... few examples of
the wise and most eminent saints. ... duty; but to give you some examples of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

From the Latin.
... in despair and amazement, "Oh the depth of the riches of the ... of Paul or Peter and
the other saints, in whom ... form of God by means of better examples and training ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/from the latin.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... As regards the examples of righteousness found among the acts ... in the person of all
the saints both groans ... the other, or that they quarreled about possessing him ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... namely, when believers, reflecting that the examples of the ... is uniformly attributed
to all the saints, and which ... promise us length of days, riches and honors ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Christian Behavior
... soul doth indeed consider the greatness and riches of the ... you see how wise men and
fools, saints and sinners ... And all this doth tend to the possessing his heart ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... neglect we have an occasion ministered unto us, to behold our own imperfections;
so our Lord has taken occasion thereby, to make manifest the riches of His ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... for keeping my life back from the destroyer (Job 33:22 ... I am 'less than the least
of all saints'; I was ... He knew that spiritual riches lay there but he did not so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm