For all the marvelous writings in the Bible, none rise to the level of Job. On the one hand we find in Job someone who worked hard, was blessed abundantly for it and lived in a way that pleased God. On the other hand, we see that same man sit and mourn heavily as he lost it all. Yet through it all, Scripture says he never sinned with his mouth.

If there is one thing that we who call ourselves Christians do constantly, is sin with our mouth. Job had reason to complain and even question God if he liked. The things he knew to be factual one day collapsed at his feet the next. The faith he exhibited pleased God one day and the next, it's as if a stopper was placed at the spout of the blessing. Job had reason, but he did not sin in what he said. Because of that and the way he handled defeat, discouragement, depression and despondency, Job should be an example to us all.

Does sinning with one's mouth mean to avoid profanity? Or, does it mean to doubt God outwardly or lose one's faith in Him? All these things are related, but one other thing stands above them all as the primary sin. That one thing is attributing to God the things done by Satan and his crowd. In all his suffering and doubt, Job never accused God of surrendering his Lordship to Satan. His friends may have, but Job's faith in God, though battered and torn, never turned to accusation against God. He may have questioned himself, but not God.

If you want to know the pivotal point in the ministry of the Lord Jesus during His time on earth, consider the confrontation of some Jews when they accused Jesus of doing Satan's work. From that point, you can see Jesus ministry turn to "whomever" whereas before he went to God's "people," the Jews. Neither will God tolerate anyone who accuses the Holy Spirit of working for the wrong side.

How's your mouth? Is it an instrument of praise or a tool of destruction? Job knew that life brings both good and bad things. No doubt he had some difficulties to overcome in order to be the success we know him to be, but Scripture just mentions his success. We should not make the mistake of thinking God only gives good to His children when it's been proven that sometimes bad is the only way to keep our attitude in check.

If you want to keep your mouth from sin, learn to praise God for you problems as much as your blessings. When you do, you'll find that sometimes problems are actually blessings in disguise.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jb. 1:1-3:26 1 Co. 14:1-17 Ps. 37:12-28 Pr. 21:25-26 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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