As has been said of certain financial investment counselors of the past, when Satan speaks, people listen. At least such seems to be evident by the attitudes, philosophies, and behavior of many in our society. There are a several examples in the Bible of Satan actually speaking in an intelligible, audible voice. However, Jesus warns us that when Satan speaks, he is lying. In John 8:44, we read that “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.” “Devil” (diabolos) means “slanderer.” The very name that God gave him in the Bible tells us that he is a liar. The primary value in knowing this is so that we might be armed against his false teaching.
In the first chapter of the book of Job, Satan slanders both Job and the Lord God. The scene opens with some sort of heavenly council. When Satan arrives, the Lord asks him about his whereabouts and what it is that he has been doing. Satan evasively answers His question, saying, “From roaming about the earth and walking around on it” (Job 1:7). His answer reminds me of a careless child being asked, “What have you been doing all day?” “Oh, nothing much” is often the reply. Even at an early age, we how to avoid telling all the truth. It is then that God asks Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him in all the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil” (vs. 8). Satan’s response is in keeping with his reputation as a slanderer and accuser of God’s people. He answers, saying, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face” (vss. 9-11).
What a terrible thing to say! Not only about Job but also about God. Was Job a man who served God only for what he could get out of the deal? Is Satan suggesting that the Lord God is unworthy of service and devotion unless He pays for it? The lesson learned in the book of Job is that, even if everything in this life is taken away from us, God is still worthy of our praise. To suggest otherwise is a bold-faced lie propagated by the devil himself. God is our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Friend. No matter what, we must remain faithful to Him all the days of our lives.