Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
Job 1:1 (KJV)
Context
The Book of Job is one of the wisdom books of the Old Testament. It tells the story of a man who suffers greatly and wrestles with deep questions about God’s justice and human suffering. Job 1:1 introduces the central character and sets the stage for everything that follows.
Job lived in the land of Uz, a real region in the ancient Near East, likely near Edom, possibly in modern-day Jordan. The exact location is debated, but the Bible connects Uz with Edom in Jeremiah 25:20 and Lamentations 4:21. Job probably lived during the time of the patriarchs, before the Law was given to Moses.
Meaning
The verse describes Job with four qualities. The Hebrew word for “perfect” is tam, meaning whole, complete, or having integrity. It does not mean sinless perfection. “Upright” (yashar) means straight or morally correct. “Feared God” means he had reverential awe and devotion, not terror. This fear is the beginning of wisdom, as Proverbs 1:7 teaches. “Eschewed evil” means he actively turned away from evil and avoided it.
These four qualities together show a complete godly character: inner integrity, outward rightness, reverence for God, and active rejection of evil. Job’s character was not merely outward; it came from a genuine heart commitment to God.
Biblical connections
God Himself later affirms Job’s character in Job 1:8 and 2:3, using the same words. This confirms that Job’s righteousness was real and recognized by heaven. The New Testament also points to Job as an example of perseverance in James 5:11. His suffering was not a punishment for personal sin, as his friends wrongly assumed.
Application
Job’s example teaches us that character is built before trials come. We should strive to be people of integrity in our dealings with others, to revere God with humble worship, and to deliberately turn away from evil. This is not about being perfect, but about being wholehearted in our devotion to God.
Integrity means being the same person in private as in public, living honestly before God and people.
The fear of God leads to wisdom and obedience, shaping our choices and priorities.
Avoiding evil requires active effort, not just passive avoidance, as we choose what honors God.
Reflection
Job 1:1 reminds us that true religion combines inner faith with outward conduct. It challenges us to examine our own lives: do we fear God and turn from evil, not only in easy times but also when tested? Job’s story shows that such character is the foundation for enduring faith in the midst of suffering.
