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Job 12:16-20 Holding fast to trustworthy word

Good afternoon,

A snippet from a Simple Way to Pray.  The letter was to his barber, so the barbering allusions make a lot of sense.

So, a good and attentive barber keeps his thoughts, attention, and eyes on the razor and hair and does not forget how far he has gotten with his shaving or cutting. If he wants to engage in too much conversation or let his mind wander or look somewhere else he is likely to cut his customer's mouth, nose, or even his throat. Thus if anything is to be done well, it requires the full attention of all one's senses and members, as the proverb says, "Pluribus intentus, minor est ad singula sensus"-"He who thinks of many things, thinks of nothing and does nothing right." How much more does prayer call for concentration and singleness of heart if it is to be a good prayer! 

Blessings,

Jeff 

This is Job's response to Zophar, the third of the three friends.  Job restates his defense of God's character from chapter 9.  (With him are strength and sound wisdom Job 12:16).  Each of his friends have stated their case and Job has responded with the argument that God is wise and strong and essentially turns the arguments of highest human wisdom and strength on their heads.  If the kings and priests and elders are stripped of their power and wisdom, how much more are the arguments of his friends.  He seems to repeating his case because the friends are getting it.

Instruction - textbook - In Titus 1:9, Paul says that an elder must hold fast to the word so that he can give instruction in sound doctrine.  Seems that Job is holding fast to God's character and using it to teach sound doctrine.  How much more do I need to hold fast!!!

Thanksgiving - the trustworthy word taught by apostles, handed down to Timothy, Titus and others that is now recorded in scripture.  Regardless of worldly opposition, this is only source of the sound doctrine that the elders are bound to teach. 

Confession -  Being influenced by "what people want"  as politicians are swayed by the polls.  "Energizing the base" is not how God's kingdom works.

Petition - replace my desires of the eyes, desires of the flesh and pride of life with a passion for sound doctrine.

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