Leadership: The 14 Success Principles of JobSample

9. No Gloating or Pride

Job worked hard to gain his wealth, and God had clearly blessed his efforts. In his ninth principle, Job shares how he dealt with his wealth and its source:

If I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained…  – Job 31:25 NIV

Job may have been wealthy and gained a great fortune, but he never rejoiced over it, and even though his wealth may have come as a result of his own initiatives, ideas, or hard work, he never celebrated it as his own achievement. The Amplified translation gives further insight:

If I gloated and rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my [powerful] hand [alone] had obtained so much…  - Job 31:25 AMP 

In today’s world, we see many flaunting their wealth, gloating over their success, and crediting their own hard work for their success. These are the people we read about in the news, see on the speaking circuit, and idolized by many as inspirations.

But it is not what the Bible teaches, nor is it what Job would do. Check this verse:

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  – Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Job knew his wealth and blessing came from God (remember Job 1:21?). Even though Job would have worked hard to earn his wealth, he never gloated over his achievements, nor did he celebrate over his wealth as is so common today.

Job’s perspective on his wealth is right out of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”  – Matthew 6:24

Job knew where his wealth came from, and how to handle it. More importantly, he knew serving and honoring God was his calling and his true joy, even to the point of still being able to praise God when he lost it all.

Reflection / Application  

1. When was the last time you celebrated a success? How did your celebration fit with Job’s ninth principle?  
2. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others. Sometimes we do this as a helpful aid to encourage ourselves, at other times, we do it to help ourselves feel good. Job’s principle of “no gloating” suggests the latter reason is not acceptable. Does it suggest any change for you?  
3. What new perspective does Job’s ninth principle give to you regarding featured speakers or celebrity authors?