Whose heart are you examining?
Job rested his case on a matter that should never have been brought against him. Yet, it's a beautiful truth that the Lord works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Job clearly qualified for God's promises yet his heart was scrutinized by those closest to him. The final verse of the chapter states, "The words of Job are ended" (Job 31:40). We won't hear from him again for some time, not until the Lord speaks into the situation.
What if, instead of questioning Job's heart, his friends had examined their own? What if they had prayed the words of Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting."
I don't know about you, but I sometimes find myself focusing on the hearts of others instead of my own. Today, I pray, "Father, search my heart. Reveal any sin in my life. Forgive me for judging others' hearts while excusing my own intentions. Soften my heart with Your grace and mercy, so I may extend the same to others."
To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.