THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
In the land of Absitidia, there lived a man named Job. What does this opening signify, and why has the author commenced in this manner? The intention is to illustrate a life of virtue that surpasses our own in many respects. Accordingly, in light of the extraordinary trials and grace exhibited, the writer carefully clarifies Job's human nature beforehand, allowing us to marvel at such an individual. For Job, a man like us by nature, was also distinguished by his exceptional virtue. By referencing the commonalities of human nature, the author highlights the uniqueness of Job's character, demonstrating that despite sharing in a common humanity, he transcended normal human behavior.
Read more (1353 words)
The text also identifies his geographic origin, enhancing our sense of wonder regarding how such beauty could emerge from a place of thorns.
The initial commendation is that he hailed from Absitidia, which was remarkable considering the surrounding corruption in Arabia, where examples of goodness were absent. Job was indeed a true, innocent, upright, and God-fearing man, steering clear of all forms of evil. Unlike philosophers who define man merely as a reasonable, mortal creature, divine Scripture recognizes a man as one who retains the image of God through virtue, while those who distort this image do not merit the title. Anyone who possesses human characteristics but sullies them through ungodly living ought to heed the words of the prophet: “A man in honour who has no understanding is joined to the cattle of the unthinking, and is likened to them” (Psalm 48:13). Here, Scripture emphasizes that true manhood is characterized by integrity, righteousness, and piety, defining Job by these very qualities. Deceitful individuals may appear as a mockery of humanity.
Moreover, Ecclesiastes succinctly conveys that the essence of humanity is captured in “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Similarly, a prophet in Jerusalem lamented, saying, “I came, and behold, there was no man calling, and there was no one listening” (Isaiah 50:2). We commonly instruct our servants or sons to conduct their work “like a man,” meaning they should act according to human nature—using their reason and engaging in thoughtful actions. A person's true essence is revealed not through appearance but through actions—without such manifestations, they merely share the name. Only the genuine man who upholds the divine image maintains the beauty intended by God.
Thus it was with Job, embodying true humanity, as he exhibited human virtue in action rather than mere pretense. What God first required of Abraham—“Thou shalt do good before Me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1)—is attributed to Job. Upon declaring him true, the author further adds that he was blameless. Delve into the meaning of this term with me, recognizing the profound perfection inherent in a righteous individual. The term “innocent” is not used, as “guilt” pertains to major sins, while “vice” refers to the slightest faults. Hence, it is noted that Job not only avoided grave transgressions but also sought to evade even minor faults that could merit reproach rather than punishment.
Aquila and Symmachus translated “immaculate” as "simple" and "innocent," respectively—the former suggesting the purity of a righteous man devoid of pretense, while the latter implies his ceaseless pursuit of virtue. Blamelessness characterizes one who neglects no good and lives without stain from evil. After being declared blameless, he is labeled righteous. Righteousness embodies the totality and unity of virtue. Individual traits, if present in isolation, fall short and could even lead to the opposite, appearing undesirable. Thus, a person may be wise but speak unjustly, rendering them wicked despite their understanding. This reminds us that “wise are those who do evil things, but do good things without knowledge” (Jeremiah 4:22).
To be righteous, one must also be wise; otherwise, how can one act justly without understanding the essence and implications of each situation? Thereby, modesty, God-fearing reverence, and gentleness must also accompany righteousness. In essence, the soul of the righteous is harmonized with all virtues, as indicated by Ezekiel’s words (Ezekiel 18:5-9). Armed with knowledge of what defines a righteous person, let us examine Job. He is godly, offering daily sacrifices to God; he is pure, proclaiming, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman” (Job 31:1). He embodies gentleness and kindness, as seen in the devotion of his servants who would gladly care for him, saying, “Who would give us of his flesh to be satisfied” (Job 31:31). He is gracious and hospitable, opening his door to all (Job 31:32-34).
Additionally, a righteous man deals justly, as Job did when he said, “I traced out the strife which I have not led, and I have broken the root of the teeth” (Job 29:16-17). He commits no wrong to anyone; rather, he proclaims, “If I have laid my hand upon an orphan, let my frame fall away” (Job 31:21). Given Job's abundant virtues, he is rightly designated as blameless and righteous. Job exhibited entirety of virtue—not merely refraining from one sin but encompassing all righteousness.
On the matter of balance, the righteous Job consistently offered equitable measures, not allowing his wealth to corrupt his interactions with others. No one could accuse him of favoring money while treating others poorly; he consistently respected all, stating, “But if I despise the judgment of my servant or maidservant, how could I stand before God?” (Job 31:13-15). Arrogance leads to injustice, as does the desire to take what belongs to others. Just as those who seek to gain from others' losses are guilty of wrongdoing, so too is it unjust to claim undue honor for oneself, depriving others of their rightful dignity. God created humanity from a single source, endowing all with equal worth. So how can one deny the honor bestowed by God’s creation?
Yet Job did not allow himself to act with such contempt. The writer, in referring to him as righteous, shows that Job’s virtue was not compartmentalized but encompassing all attributes, as righteousness is defined by blameless and just actions, upheld in totality—so that, as stated, “To the righteous, the law does not lie” (1 Timothy 1:9). The text further underscores Job's piety, demonstrating that he excelled in both human relations and divine reverence, for justice pertains to humanity, while piety relates to God. Note how these virtues interconnect and enhance one another: a virtuous life leads to knowledge of God, while knowing God nurtures a life of virtue. Thus, Job's righteousness was rooted in his piety; he maintained a continuous awareness of God and pursued what was just and good—not for any ulterior motive.
One cannot be righteous without first being blameless, which is why it states that “a man is true," emphasizing a genuine understanding of virtue and its practice, followed by the blameless designation that avoids even the smallest transgressions. Lastly, he is called righteous, portraying completeness in all aspects of virtue, and pious—a term filled with honor shaped by good works and sound beliefs. This leads us to the concluding thought that he was “removed from all evil things,” indicating a breadth of perfection, not merely abstaining from some wrongs while indulging in others, but wholly rejecting all that is evil.
Abstaining from wrongdoing is insufficient; we must also pursue doing good, for neglecting good deeds can also lead to eternal condemnation, as evidenced by those who fail to feed the hungry or show compassion. Such insights affirm that avoiding evil alone does not yield salvation unless accompanied by active pursuit of goodness and virtue. Thus, the divine Spirit encapsulates Job’s life, defining him as true, blameless in deeds, righteous in uprightness, and godly in his faithfulness and distancing from idols. Ultimately, he epitomized pure service to God, carrying out his responsibilities in a spirit of integrity, honoring God sincerely.
On another note, Job’s character strongly parallels that of Adam, who fell by yielding to his wife. Whereas Job resisted his wife's ill counsel, adamantly upholding virtue, Adam succumbed and faced dire consequences. Adam, who was initially clothed in incorruption by God, became naked and condemned due to disobedience. Job, conversely, remained steadfast in God, crowned amidst adversity.
In summary, Job—a man from a sinful land—exemplified righteousness amid pervasive evil; indeed, he was a light in darkness. The harsh environment could not overcome his unwavering piety, nor could the temptations around him extinguish his commitment to God. Job served others with his wealth, proving that he valued compassion over riches and that he was a living testament to God's grace despite his unfortunate circumstances.
Let us glean from this account, with a focus on what it means to lead a life of true righteousness, taking inspiration from Job as a model of virtue and piety for all who seek to embody God’s will.