Sermon 57, Job 15:1-10
Today’s sermon is all about “words” and their importance and use. This is from Eliphaz’s speech: “Will he argue using inappropriate speech and unlawful words?” (Verse 3).
I am accustomed to not being heard. I don’t say that in a whiny way. It’s just a truth. I’m ok with it. No one has to follow my own particular advice and the world will continue to turn. I imagine nearly all of what I say isn’t novel anyway. And what isn’t novel could well be wrong. I’m smiling as I write that.
Now, at the end of the sermon Calvin writes “We need an unchanging truth which has been revealed since the creation of the world. If we have that, our faith will have a firm foundation…”
Who doesn’t want a firm foundation? It doesn’t matter whether you’re religious or not, everyone needs a set of morals, principles, whatever. These act as a foundation for all future thoughts and actions. And they can’t change, can they? I don’t think so.
Calvin says: “For what is Gods intention when he proposes his word for our use?” The answer is 1) to act as a bridle and 2) to cause fear.
In the passage, Eliphaz warns Job that “Your mouth will condemn you, not I”. (Verse 6). Really, the only solution is to not talk.