Job 27:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If they ever perceive themselves acting righteously, their conscience quietly chastises them. Hence, the psalmist David implores, "Then, I would not be ashamed, when I look upon all thy commandments." A profound sense of shame envelops individuals when they direct their gaze, through scripture or teaching, toward the divine commandments they have neglected by their way of life. Thus, it is declared by the voice of John: "if our heart does not condemn us, we have boldness toward God. And whatever we ask we shall receive from Him." This implies that obedience to His commands yields the assurance of receiving our petitions.

God regards both practice and prayer as essential and interlinked: practical actions must be complemented by prayer, and conversely, prayer must be undergirded by actions. Consequently, Jeremiah proclaims: "Let us seek and try our ways, and turn to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts with our hands to God in heaven." To "seek our ways" involves examining the concealed aspects of our thoughts. A person who elevates their heart in prayer while engaging in virtuous deeds truly raises their heart, unlike someone who prays yet neglects action. Likewise, an individual who is active but does not pray may raise their hands but remains heartless. According to John's instruction, confidence in prayer flourishes when one's life is unburdened by sin. With such assurance, the devout declare, "And my heart shall not reproach me for all my life," suggesting that their conscience bears no memories of guilt, feeling only shame while in prayer.

However, it is reasonable to inquire how he asserts that his heart does not chastise him, given that he has previously admitted his sinful nature, saying, "I have sinned: what shall I do unto thee, O thou guardian of men?" or “If I would justify myself, my own mouth would accuse me.” One must recognize that while the righteous can evade certain sins, there are also transgressions that even they cannot escape. What heart, confined within this mortal shell, does not occasionally stray into impure thoughts, even if it does not dive headlong into lustful desires? To entertain wrongful thoughts is itself a transgression. Yet, as long as one resists such thoughts, the soul retains its liberty. Thus, the righteous, although free from wrongful actions, may still wrestle with unwholesome thoughts. Sin may encroach upon their minds as these thoughts arise; however, their hearts may not feel rebuke after the fact if they realign themselves before succumbing to those sinful inclinations. This is why the one who admits their sinfulness can truthfully assert that their heart does not condemn them—for in their struggle against errant thoughts, they endeavor to maintain righteousness. Consequently, it follows:

From verse 13 to the conclusion of this chapter, Job articulates thoughts that diverge significantly from his earlier reflections. In both substance and expression, they align more closely with the views of Sophar than with his own (cf. 27:13, 20, 29, and the entirety of the chapter). Consequently, some scholars argue that this represents Sophar's discourse up through the close of chapter 28, as his words are absent in the current text. However, such a perspective lacks foundation. Job may very well have drawn upon the sentiments of his companions within his discourse; however, the ideas conveyed in chapter 28 serve as compelling evidence of the ineffability of God’s Providence in human life—a truth that Job consistently affirmed.