I am the same as you in God’s sight; I too am a piece of clay. No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy on you.
Job 33:6-7//

When speaking into the lives of others, I should not be heavy-handed.

I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
Job 32:12//

Lord, help me to be humble and not wise in my own eyes.

(“Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing.
Job 31:35//

God need not answer me, for I am but a lowly sinner. Job may have been blameless, but he forgot he was not sinless.

“But now they mock me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.
Job 30:1//

As Christians, we need to learn not to “shoot our wounded.”

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. I chose the way for them and sat as their chief; I dwelt as a king among his troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.
Job 29:24-25//

When other people are blessed by our actions or presence, it is because God is using us to bless others; not because we are a blessing on our own.

Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
Job 28:18//

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. This comes with time, obedience, and experience.

“As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made my life bitter,
Job 27:2//

Interesting how even the blameless among us blame God when things do not go as we planned.

By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”
Job 26:12-14//

In the midst of tragedy, we know God’s awesome power. And yet, we still question His ways.

“Dominion and awe belong to God; he establishes order in the heights of heaven.
Job 25:2//

When I am unclear what will happen next, God knows the order He has planned.

“Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment? Why must those who know him look in vain for such days?
Job 24:1//

While the answer is probably because people would wait until judgment day to seek God and His goodness, I find myself asking this question more frequently.