Poor Job faced dire circumstances that few people have. (Read the full story in Job 1 & 2). After losing everything he owned–his children, servants, land, cattle, and even his health–he was saddled with friends who thought their words would bring him comfort. While these friends sat with him throughout his ordeal, the most stunning response to Job’s situation was from his own wife:
“Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job 2:9
Integrity is often described as honesty, character, high morals, and consistent lifestyle. While these definitions are accurate, integrity also speaks of depth of character. Each winter the Department of Natural Resources checks the depth of ice on lakes before allowing winter sports, like skating or ice fishing, to take place. The DNR refers to this as checking the “integrity” of the ice. If the ice is too shallow, they post warning signs for people to keep off. The thicker the ice, the greater the pressure it can withstand.
So it is with us when we experience challenges in life. The greater our depth of character, the more pressure we can endure during difficulties. Character is built through trials (see Romans 5:3-5).
Ironically, the Lord complimented Job for the very thing Job’s wife wanted him to abandon. The second time Satan conversed with God about Job, the Lord responded, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason” Job 2:3.
If Satan and God conversed about you, how confidently could the Lord speak of your integrity?