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KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANCIENTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 19
Job 8:8-22

Psalm 98

 

“…with the well advised is wisdom.”

 

KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANCIENTS
 
Bildad claimed to have special revelation from God, but based his opinion on the traditions of his forefathers. According to Bildad, this was necessary because our lives are very short. We have no experience from ages past and, in the limited days of the individual’s life, there is little time to learn. Therefore, it is necessary to learn from the wisdom of ancient men (Job 8:8-9).
 
There is certainly nothing wrong with considering things learned by our people down through the centuries. Scripture itself commends the wisdom gained by long life – wisdom comes in part by a willingness to take advice from others (Prov 13:10). However, Bildad was appealing to human experience and wisdom to solve a spiritual problem. Such a course always brings great danger. The Scriptures remind us that God’s ways are very different from man’s ways. If we are to know Him, it must be through His revelation of Himself in the Scriptures (Isa 55:7-9).
 
Bildad’s final conclusion was that it was obvious to the human mind that God blessed the good and punished the evil. A life of joy and satisfaction with no suffering was promised to those who were righteous (Job 8:20- 22). Therefore, if Job had really been righteous, he could appeal to God and his affliction would be removed.
 
It is true that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). However, in order to pray according to God’s will, we must know the Scriptures and be mindful of His eternal plan and purpose. When it comes to spiritual things, the way that seems reasonable and right to man is a way that leads to destruction (Prov 14:12).
 
May you and I, as God’s people, rely solely on His Word for our spiritual direction and understanding, so that we will not be misled with respect to spiritual things. In this way, we will be able to face the difficulties of life with understanding and confidence.
 
THOUGHT: What was wrong with Bildad’s conclusion?
PRAYER: Father, Thou hast revealed in Isaiah 55:9, and I believe, that Thy ways are higher than man’s ways.

 

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