“For you have taken pledges from your brother for no reason, and stripped the naked of their clothing.” ~ Job 22:6
REFERENCE:
Eliphaz wrongly scolded Job as a great sinner. He concluded that his suffering was because of his social injustice. He charged him with wickedness, extortion, oppression of the poor, denial of sustenance to the weary, and insensitivity to widows and the fatherless plight. He said that for these reasons, snares, darkness, and sudden troubles surrounded Job. Eliphaz was wrong because Job wasn’t all he said; Job’s situation was by divine permission.
Although Eliphaz was wrong in the case of Job, he reveals a sacrosanct truth: ‘Any society that mistreats the weak, minority, poor, and helpless will come under the displeasure of God.’ God is called the Husband of the widow and the Father of the fatherless. He regards the poor and lowly and seeks out their case. Jesus spent time with this group; He provided food for people experiencing poverty, healed the weak and sick, and restored lepers that society had ostracized (banished).
On the contrary, the Bible says: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.” “He who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.” “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…”
The bane of society today is social injustice: wrongful actions against individuals within society, where the unequal get treated equally while equals get treated unequally. It is when people are discriminated against because of age, social status, sex, race, tribe, religion, etc., almost as an unspoken government policy. A society guilty of social injustice will experience the displeasure of God, as highlighted by Eliphaz in our text. It may be why Nigeria is constantly struggling.
We can be guilty of social injustice as individuals, so we should guard against it. Be mindful of the less privileged, and treat people respectfully despite their tribe, class, or learning. Extend kindness and generosity to the poor and needy as much as you can. Help a girl get an education, support a widow, etc., and watch how God will bless you as an individual; He will pay you back.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Job 29:7-17, Proverbs 14:21, and Deuteronomy 15:7-8
PRAYER:
+ Lord, give me a compassionate heart, generous eyes, and giving hands. I refrain from acts that are equivalent to social injustice. May I be eyes to the blind, a blessing to the poor, and hope to the weak. As I do these, may I experience the blessing of God upon me and my family, in Jesus’ name.
