THEOSISIreneus (Orda)
In his attempts to convince his friends of his unmerited suffering, Job emphasizes that he was not only adorned by acts of compassion and outward righteousness but was also inwardly a man of integrity (31:1-4). He reveals that deceit was foreign to him (5-8), and that impure desires for another man's spouse never tainted his thoughts (9-12). He regarded his subordinates as beings created in the image of God, just like himself (13-15). While aiding the needy and the afflicted, Job never perceived himself as powerful enough to wrong others (16-23); he did not depend on his riches (24-25), nor did he engage in secret iniquity (26-28) or delight in the calamities of those who opposed him (29-30). His home was always welcoming to travelers (30-32).
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Job believed himself so virtuous that he could confidently stand before the judgment of the Holy One (31-37) and was unafraid of incurring the curse that Adam faced for his transgression (38-40). In Job’s deeds and character, we discern not only the righteousness of the Old Testament believer but also the noble virtues that epitomize the followers of the New Testament. Herein lies a comprehensive portrait of Job's life, shared by him: as a devoted father, an impartial judge, and a dignified leader; we observe his interactions with peers and subordinates, as well as his compassionate dealings with the unfortunate—both his overt actions and his innermost motivations. We are presented with a complete view of his existence: his past joys, his current afflictions, and his hopes for the future. This encapsulates the essence of Job. Thus, it is fitting that Job concludes his defense against his friends and his assertions of innocence in such a manner. Notably, as we approach the conclusion of Job's discourse (in the Slavonic text and in Job 32:1), we find a remarkable summation of his life.