Job 22:21 Acquaint now yourself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come to you. I. WHAT IT IS, OR IMPLIES. 1. The knowledge of God's character and attributes. All true religion rests upon correct views of God's character. Many persons assume that they naturally know God; but they do not feel the necessity of going to Scripture to learn the character of God. The mistake arises in part from not distinguishing carefully between the existence and the character of God. You must try your notions of God's character and attributes by Scripture, and see whether they will stand the test. 2. But a man's knowledge may be nothing more than an intellectual knowledge, whilst his heart may be alienated from Him. He may feel no delight in God's character, and pay no heartfelt obedience to His will. 3. In real acquaintance with God, there is communion. This means participation in something (1 Corinthians 10:16). Communion also means intercourse, converse (Psalm 4:4). It is a wonderful thought, but it is true, that there can be, and is, communion between the eternal God and the believer's spirit. You see some things which are implied in acquaintance with God, or knowledge of God's character and attributes as revealed in Scripture, reconciliation of heart to Him, and communion with Him. The first requires the exercise of the understanding; the second, the surrender of the will; the third, purity of heart. What blessing is equal to this of acquaintance with God! II. THE RESULTS. "And be at peace." With reference to Job. "Be happy again." Eliphaz urges Job to acquaint himself with God, so that peace and joy may be restored again to his heart. To how many hearts may such words come home! Eliphaz speaks of other results. "Thereby good shall come to thee." How much there is in that word "good!" No doubt Eliphaz thought of temporal blessings. Look at the blessings of the Christian. Sins blotted out; heart renewed; bondage changed into liberty; the power of sin broken; besetting infirmities overcome; his life made a blessing to others; death robbed of its sting. (George Wagner.) Parallel Verses KJV: Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.WEB: "Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you. |
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