Job 27:18 – “The wicked has built his house upon a spider’s web.”

As I read, prayed, and contemplated the Word of God today, a passage in the book of Job arrested me.   Job 27:18 is translated in various ways.  Most render it as the wicked building their house as a moth’s cocoon.   One renders it, “The wicked has built his house upon a spider’s web.”

A moth’s cocoon presents a unique imagery.   The fragile house of the moth is made of the material it consumes.    It feeds on what it has provided in its dwelling.   It is not dependent on anything outside that cocoon.

Those who trust themselves make their gold, goods, talents, networks, and abilities their source of strength.   Those who trust God are totally dependent upon Him and know those things are from Him, but also fleeting and temporary, making them unreliable.

We are to trust God who “hangs the world upon nothing.” (Job 26:7).  We are to trust the one who “Sees my ways and counts my steps.” (Job 31:4).  We are to trust the one who “Does not commit iniquity, neither perverts justice.” (Job 34:12).

As Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 3:5b – “Our strength comes from God.”   If we trust ourselves, our wealth, our possessions, knowledge, or ability, we grow weary.   But, if we totally surrender to God and He becomes our true source, then as 2 Corinthians 4:1 declares, “For this reason we are not weary of the ministry in which we are engaged…”

Life can be hard, but it is even harder if we place our trust in the wrong things.   Trust is demonstrated, not verbalized.  Trust is faith in action, rooted in anchored confidence.  We should examine our actions and attitudes to test our trust.  We walk by faith, not by sight.

So, do not build your house on a moth’s cocoon or a spider’s web.   Build it on the ROCK!   If we feed on ourselves, we will be consumed, but if we feed on Him, we will flourish!

Upon the Rock we stand!   Have a fantastic day!