I

Though affluent, Job's wealth did not lead him to indulge in his superior living environment, or to gorge himself on the enjoyments of the flesh, or to forget to offer burnt offerings, and much less did it cause him to gradually shun God in his heart. Job was disciplined in his lifestyle, was not greedy or hedonistic as a result of God's blessings to him, and he did not fixate upon quality of life. Instead, he was humble and modest, he was not given to ostentation, and he was cautious and careful before God. He often gave thought to God's graces and blessings, and continually harbored a God-fearing heart.

II

In his daily life, Job often rose early to offer burnt offerings for his sons and daughters. Not only did Job himself fear God, but he also hoped that his children would likewise fear God and not sin against God. Job's material wealth held no place within his heart, nor did it replace the position held by God; Job's daily actions were all connected to fearing God and shunning evil. His fear of God did not stop at his mouth, but was something he put into action and reflected in each and every part of his daily life.

III

This actual conduct by Job shows us that he was honest, and was possessed of an essence that loved justice and things that were positive. He never walked with those who often sinned and offended God, but instead shunned and avoided them. Even though these people were his sons and daughters, he did not forsake his own principles of conduct because they were his own kin, nor did he indulge their sins because of his own sentiments. Rather, he urged them to confess and gain Jehovah God's forbearance, and he warned them not to forsake God for the sake of their own greedy enjoyment.

IV

The principles of how Job treated others are inseparable from the principles of his fear of God and shunning of evil. He loved that which was accepted by God, and loathed that which repulsed God; he loved those who feared God in their hearts, and loathed those who committed evil or sinned against God. Such love and loathing was demonstrated in his everyday life, and was the very uprightness of Job seen by God's eyes. This is also the expression and living out of Job's true humanity in his relations with others in his daily life.

from The Word, Vol. 2. On Knowing God. God's Work, God's Disposition, and God Himself II