Job 31-32
This post explores Job’s unwavering integrity and contrasts it with the human tendency toward schadenfreude and vindictiveness. It invites readers to examine their motives, stop comparison, and focus on personal growth. The intention is to choose compassion over pettiness and align one’s character with healthier, more grounded sources of validation
Summary
Job passionately defends his integrity, listing the ways he has lived righteously and avoided wrongdoing. He states that he has been honest, faithful to his wife, generous, and considerate to others. He does not hate on his enemies. Job insists he has been faithful to and fearful of God. He asks God to examine his life, and to just let him know what his sins were that led to his suffering.
A new voice emerges—Elihu, who has been listening to Job and his friends. Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, is frustrated with the failure of Job’s friends for their lack of support. He is also frustrated with Job’s self-righteousness. Elihu introduces himself, acknowledges that he is young, and expresses his respect for his elders. However, now Elihu feels compelled to share his perspective, believing that wisdom comes from God and not just age. “It is not the old that are wise, nor the aged that understand what is right.” [Job 32:9]
Sidebar
The complimentary reading, Genesis 39-40, touches on vindictive behavior – Potiphar’s wife does not get what she wants from Joseph, so she retaliates. In declaring his righteousness, Job regards vindictiveness and pettiness as a sin when he states, “If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him that hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him. (I have not let my mouth sin by asking for his life with a curse).” [Job 31:29-30] Plainly stated, he is not finding joy in his adversary’s misfortune.
Schadenfreude is a German word that means “the experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of the troubles, failures, pain, suffering, or humiliation of another.” According to a journal article from the American Psychological Association, people with low-self esteem seem to experience schadenfreude more frequently than those more confident. A confident individual considers the successes and failures of the other person as insignificant to their own status or well-being. They have very little emotional investment in how the other person fares, be it positive or negative.
Vindictive behavior is typically caused by unresolved trauma, hurt or even perceived betrayal. The goal is to move from feeling like a victim to becoming a survivor by focusing on your own life. Feeling pleased at the misfortune of someone you do not necessarily like is not healthy behavior. In the eyes of Job, its behavior God would not condone.
Focusing on your own life becomes easier when you stop comparing yourself to others. Pay attention to where you put your energy – social media, expectations, past infractions. Concentrate on what you can control – your choices, your healing, your growth. It is ok to set boundaries, unplug, and celebrate small wins. When you lean in to your own life, the unnecessary distractions around you will feel insignificant, and you may even find clarity.
Intention
Although it may be human nature, try to resist engaging in schadenfreude. Do not let vindictiveness or pettiness distort your character. Choose compassion. Seek validation in healthy avenues like exercise, meditation, God, not in the misfortune of others.
