Job 12:4, "I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn."

Job hasn't received much sympathy from his friends, although it was their purpose in coming. They came to "...mourn with him and to comfort him." (Job 2:11)  As Job listens to them speak it seems he feels a need to justify his own relationship with the Lord.  He tells them, "...I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you..." (Job 12:3) 

Job's self-pity is expressed through his words in verse 4, "I am as one mocked of his neighbour..."  He believes he is a laughingstock, he believes he is treated as one not worth regarding, and one whose opinions were not respected.  Job expresses doubt through the words, "...the just upright man is laughed to scorn." So what, if a just and upright man is laughed at by others!  Satan wants us to question the value of serving God when we see little or no reward. 

It is difficult to see people who have no regard for the Lord being blessed in the life they are living.  This was difficult for the Psalmist.  He states, "...I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." (Psalm 73:3)  This continued "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." (Psalm 73:17)  Life is to be lived by faith, no matter what our current circumstances seem to say.  Don't fall into the trap of self-pity and doubt.  It will cause you to question the Lord, and the life you are living for Him.  Those who are lost aren't going to heaven.  Therefore, they aren't to be envied, they should be pitied, and we should do our best to bring them to faith in Jesus.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  Have you ever felt sorry for yourself?  What caused you to feel this way?

2.  Have you ever been mocked or laughed at because of your beliefs as a Christian?

3.  Do you live your life seeking the approval of others, or do you walk by faith no matter what?  Explain your answer.

4.  I want to remind you no one ever shows us to your pity party except for you and Satan.