I Cry, Violence!

Job 19:7-16 – “Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. His troops advance in force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent. “He has alienated my family from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me. My guests and my female servants count me a foreigner; they look on me as on a stranger. I summon my servant, but he does not answer, though I beg him with my own mouth.

Habakkuk 1:2 – How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?

Psalm 15:2-5 – The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Application:

• ·         Habakkuk describes the social corruption and spiritual apostasy of Judah in the late seventh century BC.
• ·         “Those who fear the Lord” are those who honor God and order their lives in accordance with His will because of their reverence for Him.

All Scripture verses taken from NIV