The Argument

At the beginning of every year, I begin some type of Bible reading plan. My goal is to read through the entire Bible during the year, and though I don’t always succeed, I come closer than if I had no plan. This year I have chosen the One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation.

Surprising to me, the book of Job is one of the oldest books of the Bible, so they have placed it directly after Genesis. Job and I don’t completely understand each other, but I am enjoying my journey through this book and am nearing the happy-ending. Today I eavesdropped on part of the Lord’s lecture to Job.

Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

Then Job replied to the Lord, “I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

Job 40:1-5 (NLT)

I don’t imagine the Lord laughed during His questions, and I feel confident Job found no humor in this, but I found myself chuckling. The Lord had been very patient during the previous 37 chapters of Job, but in chapter 38, He was ready to talk. From a whirlwind, no less.

This clearly was an argument Job would not win, so a humble reply was all he could muster. “I will cover my mouth with my hand.” I think that was a good plan.

I have argued with the Lord more times than I care to admit. His Word says one thing and I say, “Yes, but.” He whispers something to me and I ask, “But what if?” The best response I can find is “Yes.” And possibly, “I have nothing more to say.”

There is no point in arguing with the Lord. He is always going to win the argument. We can take a lesson from Job and cover our mouth with our hand.