There is a way to think and live that leads to the highest happiness. It is the way that leads to God, and God Himself is the greatest blessing. Because we are more inclined to our own happiness than we are to God, we must be persuaded that seeking God is in our greatest interest, and God graciously holds out our ultimate wellbeing as an incentive to seek Him.
The inspired paragraph of Job 22.21-30 alternates between directive counsels and assured blessings for those who heed the counsels. Let us organize it thematically under these two headings. Consider my comments (based on the KJV) alongside your open Bible.
Directive Counsels. These are signaled by imperative verbs.
1) Get acquainted with God’s Person (v. 21a). There is a sense in which everyone knows God, but to “acquaint one’s self” is to gain an intimate or particular knowledge of Him (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary). There is no greater or more important pursuit than an accurate knowledge of the true and living God. This comes through a trusting and diligent attention to His revelation of Himself in creation, in history, in conscience, and especially in Scripture. Giving Him our utmost attention is the only way to be at peace with Him.
2) Get ahold of God’s words (v. 22). The objective reality called “the law” and “His words” is today called the Holy Bible. Admittedly written by humans, Scripture is nevertheless the product of prophecy where holy men were channels of God’s own message in God’s own words (2 Pet 1.20–21). What Scripture says, God says. Therefore accepting and treasuring the words of Holy Scripture is a moral imperative and absolutely necessary for salvation. We must read the Bible, hear the Bible, study the Bible, meditate on the Bible, and memorize the Bible, according to our capacity and opportunity. Apathy toward Scripture exposes apathy toward God—a trait of those who are lost.
3) Get after God Himself (v. 23a). A growing knowledge of God and His Word is the avenue for returning to God Himself. This is nothing else but the repentance and faith associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 20.21) which promises salvation (Luke 24.47; Acts 2.38; 3.19; 11.18; 17.30). The greatest pity is that so many study about God and His Word and never really return to God by faith.
Assured Blessings. These are the good things that are said to follow as a consequence of those who actually obey the directives. Clearly, they are presented as incentives for hearers with a legitimate self-interest.
1) General blessing (v. 21b). “Thereby good shall come unto thee,” or, “all your happiness will be restored to you” (NJB). This banner promise encompasses all the rest. Sin tempts us with bait that hides the hook. The Lord draws us with solid joys exceeding our hopes.
2) Edification and sanctification (v. 23bc). “Thou shalt be built up” is a metaphor conveying stability and wholeness. Theologically, this is the restoration of the imago Dei, likeness to God and comprehensive progress toward His ideal for us. Some translate “put away iniquity” as if it were a condition, but the KJV takes it as the consequence of obeying the counsels. Purification is a stupendous gift of grace.
3) Great reward and divine protection (vv. 24–25). “Gold” and “silver” stand for the most exquisite blessings, exceeding the greatest worldly wealth. A literal interpretation is, ironically, impoverished. The godly know that riches are a potential snare unworthy of our aspirations (Prov 3:13–15; 23.4; 30.7–9; cf. Psa 119.72). Instead of safety by human self-sufficiency, “the Almighty shall be thy defence,” or, “gold” (mg.), which is considered a defense by worldly people (Prov 10.15).
4) Delight in God (v. 26). God is the highest good (summum bonum); salvation restores our capacity to appreciate and enjoy Him. “He will become a source of highest, heartfelt joy to thee. Then shall [the blessed man] be able to raise his countenance (which was previously depressed, in the consciousness of his estrangement from God by dearly cherished sin and unexpiated guilt), free and open, confident and joyous, to God” (Commentary on the OT, K&D).
5) Answered prayer and acceptable worship (v. 27). Only those who listen reverently to God may be assured that He listens compassionately to them (Prov 1.24–30). This is a benefit greater than we can imagine. Paying vows is a form of acceptable worship.
6) Dreams come true (v. 28). The godly man’s fondest hopes, or something better, shall be granted in God’s blessing (Psa 37.4–5).
7) Testimony of hope to others (vv. 29–30). Your firsthand experience of these supreme blessings will enable you to speak encouragingly to others without them that if they will get acquainted with God’s person, get ahold of God’s words, and get after God Himself, as you have, they, too, shall experience what He promises to all earnest seekers. Though cast down now, they, too, shall be lifted up by the Lord, delivered from their accusers, and made to inherit eternal glory.
This is the way to blessing—blessing which begins in the here and now and comes to fruition eternally when the Lord returns. The terms He sets forth are purely gracious; the rewards, unspeakably glorious. So then, let us earnestly seek God, expecting that this blessedness will be ours. Ω