Leadership: The 14 Success Principles of JobSample

13. No Hypocrisy

Job’s principles for godly leadership and honorable business have been anything but easy. It’s as if Job is telling us to just be perfect and everything will be okay.

Now, here he comes with principle number thirteen: “No Hypocrisy.” Is that even possible? Aren’t we all hypocrites at some level?  After all, not one of us is perfect, and yet here comes Job again:

If I have concealed my sin as people do, by hiding my guilt in my heart…  – Job 31:33

Actually, Job is not saying he is the perfect leader and business person. What he is saying is when you fall short, don’t try to hide it as others may do, but just admit it. It’s like the Bible says anyway:

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  – Romans 3:23

Contained in Job’s principle of not hiding his sin is acknowledging he is no better than any other person. This means he would almost certainly lead with humility and honesty, not a veneer of righteousness or being better-than-others. Again, it’s just as if Job had already heard Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.  – Matthew 6:1a

Time after time, Job’s principles for leadership and work show up in exact alignment with what Jesus himself taught. In this case, the principle of no hypocrisy, humility, and not showing off one’s righteousness is spot on!

Again, check what Jesus says regarding rewards to those who try to make themselves look good. The hypocrites who promote their righteousness either by hiding their sins or promoting their good works:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”  – Matthew 6:1

Job’s principle was not to hide his failings, not to show himself as more righteous than he really was. Jesus' comment to this is that those who do so should expect no reward or blessing from God.

Serious business, these principles of Job!

Reflection / Application  

1. We all try to make ourselves look good, hiding our failings when we can. Recall the last time when you did this, and why you did it.  
2. Job says we should not hide our failings, but just be honest and open about them. Is it even possible in today’s world? How?   
3. Jesus says flashing your righteousness is a reason for God to withhold any reward. What might happen if you were honest about your failings next time?