The Issue Of Man's Integrity

There is another aspect of this matter. In challenging the rightfulness and righteousness of God's rule, not only has Satan slandered Jehovah with regard to his sovereignty; he has also slandered God's servants concerning their integrity. Note, for example, what Satan said to Jehovah regarding the righteous man Job: "Have not you yourself put up a hedge about him and about his house and about everything that he has all around? The work of his hands you have blessed, and his livestock itself has spread abroad in the earth. But, for a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch everything he has and see whether he will not curse you to your very face." -Job 1:10, 11.

Satan contended that Jehovah was using his protective power to buy Job's devotion. In turn, this implied that Job's integrity was a mere sham, that he worshiped God only for what he could get in return. Satan asserted that if Job was deprived of God's blessing, even that man would curse his Creator. Satan knew that Job was outstanding in being "blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad." So if Satan could break Job's integrity, what would that say for the rest of mankind? Thus Satan was really calling into question the loyalty of all of those who want to serve God. Indeed, broadening the issue, Satan said to Jehovah: "Everything that a man [not just Job] has he will give in behalf of his soul." -Job 1:8; 2:4.

History has shown that many, like Job, have remained loyal to Jehovah in the face of trial-contrary to Satan's claim. They have made Jehovah's heart glad by their faithful course, and this has given Jehovah a reply to Satan's boastful taunt that humans will stop serving God when they are subjected to hardship. (Hebrews 11:4-38) Yes, righthearted ones have refused to turn their backs on God. Even when perplexed by the most distressing situations, they have relied all the more on Jehovah to give them the strengh to endure. -2 Corinthians 4:7-10.

But Jehovah's exercise of justice involves more than the issues of sovereignty and man's integrity. The Bible provides us with a record of Jehovah's judgments in relation to individuals and even entire nations. It also contains prophecies of judgments he will render in the future. Why can we be confident that Jehovah has been and will be righteous in his judgments?

Next time: Why God's Justice Is Superior

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002